The government budget for the elderly stood at a meagre Rs 17.5 crore in 1997-98, and it supports 186 old age homes, 233 day-care centres and 28 medicare vans throughout the country. The National Social Assistance programme launched in 1995 provides a miserly sum of Rs 75 to destitutes and those who have little or no regular means of subsistence. The amount may go up to Rs 200 after the state government has chipped in its contribution.

Besides, other ornamental measures include exempting senior citizens from paying any tax on an income of up to Rs 1.20 lakh per annum. They are entitled to a rebate of up to Rs 10,000 on their total income tax. This is inaddition to the standard deductions on salary/pension up to a maximum of Rs 20,000, and tax rebate of Rs 14,000 if adequate investment is made in any of the tax saving schemes. They are also not required to pay tax on bank interest and UTI dividends up to a maximum of Rs 15,000 per year. In addition, they also get 30 per cent discount on rail fare. The domestic airlines also offer them 50 per cent discount on the basic airfare.

Even the first national draft policy on older persons prepared by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which is awaiting the Union Cabinet's approval, is reported to have suggested some similar symbolic measures. These include provisions of sops like tax relief, concessions on medical expenses and preference in the allotment of houses to people, who take care of their elderly parents.

Though any type of benefit is welcome, tax exemptions and travel discounts are hardly of any use to most of the old people or their families.

Ninety-eight per cent of the old people areilliterate, 40 per cent live below the poverty line, and 45 per cent are estimated to suffer from chronic diseases, according to a survey carried out by the National Sample Survey Organisation. Even the sex ratio is skewed. There are more old females than old males, which translates into prevalence of widowhood more among females (54 per cent) than in males (15 per cent). Sexes are not even spread out uniformly. There are more old males in rural areas, and more old females in urban areas.

Considering this disparate profile of this age group, it is necessary that the government devise measures in such a way as to provide financial security, healthcare facilities and housing amenities to all the cross-sections -- and not only to the retired, tax-payer traveller. We may not do it for the elderly today, but for our own tomorrow at least.