At Old Age Home, senior citizens learn their rights, reclaim dignity

For an elderly woman sitting in the courtyard of the Old Age Home in Sector 15 today, it was more than a routine gathering. As she listened to a panel advocate explaining the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, she nodded thoughtfully. "I never knew I could formally ask my children for maintenance if needed," she said, a mix of surprise and relief in her voice.

She and other senior citizens learnt about their legal rights, welfare entitlements and ways to seek help as the UT State Legal Services Authority marked the "International Day of Older Persons" by engaging the seniors directly.

Guided by Justice Surya Kant, Executive Chairman of NALSA, along with Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and SLSA Executive Chairman Justice Deepak Sibal, the session became a collective call for "Ageing with Dignity". The exercise was conducted in association with the UT Department of Social Welfare.

On the occasion, UT SLSA Member Secretary Sampreet Kaur explained the functioning of the State Legal Services Authority and the NALSA (Senior Citizen) Scheme, 2016, while UT DLSA Secretary Sunil Kumar detailed the role of the District Legal Services Authority and apprised the gathering of the legal rights available to elders.

Participants were also informed about key helplines, including the national helpline 15100, the UT legal services authority helpline 1516, and the NALSA legal services app for quick access to assistance. Panel Advocate Ishan Dogra sensitised the audience on the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, while Advocate Jatinder Kumar Kamboj elaborated on broader rights and entitlements.