Schemes and Programmes being run by the various Ministries / Departments of Government of India, for welfare of Senior Citizens

Schemes and Programmes being run by the various Ministries / Departments of Government of India, for welfare of Senior Citizens

Welfare Schemes & Programmes for Senior Citizens

Schemes and Programmes being run by the various Ministries / Departments of Government of India, for welfare of Senior Citizens

1. “Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)”. This scheme was earlier known as “Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP)” and is being run under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under this scheme, grants-in-aid are given for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens Homes popularly called Old Age Homes/Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units, etc., to the Implementing Agencies such as State Governments / Union Territory Administrations (through Registered Societies)/ Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRls) / Local bodies; Non­ Governmental/Voluntary Organizations. Under the Scheme, grant is released after the receipt of Utilization Certificate of previous grant.
2. ‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)’. The objective of the scheme is to provide senior citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from age related disabilities/ infirmities, with such physical aids and assisted living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions. This scheme was launched on 1st April, 2017 and is under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under the Scheme, assisted living devices such as walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/ crutches, tripods/quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures, spectacles are provided free of cost to the identified beneficiary senior citizens. The Scheme is being implemented by the “Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO)”, a Public Sector Undertaking under this Ministry. The devices are distributed in the camp mode to the identified beneficiaries. The Scheme is being funded from Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF).
3. “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund”. In pursuance of the Budget Announcement, 2015- 16, this welfare fund has been created to be utilized for such schemes, for promoting financial security of senior citizens, healthcare and nutrition of senior citizens, welfare of elderly widows, schemes relating to Old Age Homes, Short Stay Homes and Day Care of senior citizens etc. , for the promotion of the welfare of senior citizens. This scheme is under administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Fund comprises of the unclaimed amounts transferred by every institution holding such fund in the Schemes including Small Savings and other Saving Schemes of the Central Government such as Post Office Savings Accounts, Post Office Recurring Deposits Accounts etc., Accounts of Public Provident Funds and Accounts of Employees Provident Fund, that remain unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date of the account being declared as inoperative account. The Fund is administered by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, comprising of Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and Ministry of Labour and Employment, with Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as the Nodal Ministry for administration of the Fund.
4. National Council for Older Persons (NCOP). In pursuance of the National Policy for Older Persons (N POP), this council was constituted in 1999 to oversee implementation of the Policy and to advise the Government in the formulation and implementation of policy and programmes for the aged. The National Council for Older Persons (N COP) has been reconstituted and renamed as National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC) in 2012. The mandate of NCSrC is to advise Central and State Governments on the entire gamut of issues related to welfare of senior citizens and enhancement of their quality of life. The Hon’ble Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment is the Chairperson of the Council.
5. ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman’. In order to recognize the efforts made by eminent Senior Citizens and Institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment started celebrating International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), since 1st October, 2005, giving in recognition to their contribution to the society. Further, in order to showcase the Government’s concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards senior citizens with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society, the Vayoshrestha Samman was upgraded to National Award and the Scheme of National Awards for Senior Citizens was notified in the Gazette of India on 22.01.2013. The Awards are given under thirteen categories. The National Awards were presented for the first time during 2013, on 1st October, on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). On 1st October every year, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also organizes Health Camps, Inter-generational walkathons etc. in different States with active participation of Senior Citizens, Youth, Celebrities and Media-persons etc.

TDS deduction under section 194A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 in case of Senior Citizens

TDS deduction under section 194A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 in case of Senior Citizens

F. No. Pr. DGIT(S)/CPC(TDS)/Notification/2018-19

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Central Board of Direct Taxes
Directorate of Income-tax (Systems)
New Delhi

Notification No. 06 /2018

New Delhi, 06th December, 2018

Subject: - TDS deduction under section 194A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 in case of Senior Citizens - reg.

It has been brought to the notice of CBDT that in case of Senior Citizens, some TDS deductors/Banks are making TDS deductions even when the amount of income does not exceed fifty thousand rupees. The same is not in accordance with the law as the Income-tax Act provides that no tax deduction at source under section 194A shall be made in the case of Senior Citizens where the amount of such income or, the aggregate of the amounts of such income credited or paid during the financial year does not exceed fifty thousand rupees. (Please refer to the third proviso to sub-section 3 of section 194A)

2. Under sub-rule (5) of Rule 31A of the Income-tax Rules, 1962, the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) is authorized to specify the procedures, formats and standards for the purposes of furnishing and verification of the statements or claim for refund in Form 26B and shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration in relation to furnishing and verification of the statements or claim for refund in Form 26B in the manner so specified.

3. In exercise of the powers delegated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (Board) under sub-rule (5) of Rule 31A of the Income-tax Rules, 1962, the Principal Director General of Income-tax (Systems) hereby clarifies that no tax deduction at source under section 194A shall be made in the case of Senior Citizens where the amount of such income or, the aggregate of the amounts of such income credited or paid during the financial year does not exceed fifty thousand rupees.

Sd/-
(Dewangi Marthak)
Asstt. Commissioner of Income-tax(CPC-TDS)
O/o the Pr. Director of Income-tax (Systems)
New Delhi

Source: incometaxindia.gov.in

Deduction of TDS in respect of Senior Citizens who have Invested In Sr.Citizen Savings Scheme

Deduction of TDS in respect of Senior Citizens who have Invested In Sr.Citizen Savings Scheme

F.No 79-01/2016-SB
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
DakBhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001
Date: 29.06.2018

To
All Heads of Circles/Regions
Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject - Deduction of TDS in respect of Senior Citizens who have Invested In Sr.Citizen Savings Scheme regarding.

Sir / Madam,
I am directed to say that Government of India has amended Suction 194A of Income Tax Act 1961 through Finance Act 2018 and Inserted below new Proviso below Sub Section 3 of Section 194A:-
[Provided also that in case of payee being a senior citizen, the provisions of sub-clause (a), sub-clause (b), and sub-clause (c) shall have effect as if for tho words "ten thousand rupees", tho words 'fifty thousand rupees" had been substituted.

Explanation.- For the purposes of this clause, "senior citizen" means an Individual resident In India who is of the age of shay years or more at any time during the relevant previous year;)

2. With this amendment, now TDS will not be applicable on the total aggregated Interest Income up to Rs.50.000/- in a Financial year payable In case of all SCSS Accounts opened by Senior Citizens of the age of 60 years and above (who attained age of 60 years anytime during the previous financial year I.e 2017-2018). However, this limit will not be applicable to those SCSS Account holders who had opened SCSS Accounts under the relevant provisions of relaxed SCSS Rules for (I) individuals who attained the age of 65 years or more but less than 60 years and retired on superannuation or (ii) Personnel of Defence Services (excluding Civilian Defence Employees) and not attained age of 60 years during previous financial year i.e 2017.18). For such account holders, current limit of Rs.10,000/- shall continue.

3. Rules reisting to submission of Form 15G (by those who are below the age of 60 Years) and 15H(who are of 60 Years or more age) are not changed. However, due to change of tax exemption limits for certain categories, Form 15G or 15H can be accepted If total Interest payable in a Financial Year of all SCSS Accounts of an individual SCSS account holder is within the Exemption Limit mentioned below:-

Individual Type	Form Type	Age	Income Exemption Limit
Individual	15G	Below 60years	2,50, 000
Senior Citizen Individual	15H	6040 years	3,00,000
Super Senior Citizen (lndividual)	15H	80 years above	5,00,000

4. It Is requested to circulate this amendment to the concerned staff for Information and necessary action Necessary changes in CBS and Sanchaya Post application* an being canted out to implement the lame In CBS Post Offices

This Meuse with the approval of competent authority

Yours Faithfully,
(P.b. Meena)
Assistant Director(SB-I)

Salaried peoples expectations from Budget 2017-18

Salaried peoples expectations from Budget 2017-18

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley unveils the budget on 1 February. The salaried class has a lot of expectations from the Budget. Increase in the personal income tax exemption limit and a higher deduction limit on home loan interest are among the common ones, say analysts.

The following salaried people's expectations from FM Jaitley’s Budget 2017-18:

1. Raise minimum limit for taxable income

Considering the increase in cost of living, the current basic exemption limit of 2.5 lakh should be raised to Rs. 3 lakh. If the minimum limit is increased, it will not only benefit taxpayers at the bottom but also salaried class youth who are starting out as employees.

2. Change in tax slabs

A Change in of tax slabs will be a big balm for the salaried class. Currently, 10 per cent tax is charged on annual income of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, 20 per cent on Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and 30 per cent on income above Rs 10 lakh. The first two slabs can be widened or taxed at a lower rate.

3. Raise exemption limit on allowances

Salaried employees enjoy exemption from tax on several allowances/benefits that the employer provides such as children's education, conveyance, medical reimbursement, house rent and leave travel. The allowance limits were fixed a long time ago and need to be revised in view of inflation.

4. Increase deduction under Section 80C

Currently, deduction under Section 80C of the Income-tax Act is allowed from Rs 150,000 to Rs 300,000. If Jaitley increases the limit, he can boost household savings which can ultimately get invested and power growth.

5. Bring back deduction on infrastructure bonds

The government may reintroduce deduction of Rs 20,000 or actual amount invested, whichever is lower, for investments made in infrastructure bonds. This will also boost spending, spur growth and create more jobs.

6. Offer more incentives for NPS investment

Jaitley can offer more incentives for taxpayers to invest in the National Pension System (NPS). He can increase the deduction under Section 80CCD (1B) to Rs 100,000 from the existing Rs 50,000. He can also being NPS on par with the Employees Provident Fund or Public Provident Fund with respect to exemption of 100 per cent of the accumulated balance on withdrawal, subject to certain conditions.

7. Offer interest subvention on home loans

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already offered interest subvention of 3 per cent and 4 per cent for loans of up to Rs 12 lakh and Rs 9 lakh, respectively, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. However, these subventions are targeted at buyers in Tier 3 cities. Budget 2017 has scope of offering interest subvention on larger amounts of loan which will benefit buyers in big cities and other urban areas.

8. Allow higher deduction on home loan EMIs

Currently, the deduction available on interest on home loan is up to Rs 2,00,000. The deduction can be claimed on the principal repayment for up to Rs 1.50 lakh. There is a large scope in both cases to raise the deduction limits.

9. Allow early deduction on home loan EMIs

Deduction for interest on home loan is currently available only after the buyer gets the possession of the property. This means the benefit begins several years after the buyer gets the home loan and begins paying the EMIs. This deduction can be given right from the payment of the first EMI.

10. Raise exemption limit for senior citizens

The existing exemption limit of Rs 300,000 for senior citizens (60 years to less than 80 years) and Rs 500,000 for super senior citizens (80 years and above) could be enhanced to Rs 400,000 and Rs 600,000 respectively.

TST

Banks to not exchange Rs. 2000 notes tomorrow, exception for senior citizens only

Banks to not exchange Rs. 2000 notes tomorrow, exception for senior citizens only

Mumbai: Keeping in view that all banks have been working on overdrive since the Centre announced demonetisation, the Indian Bank Association (IBA) on Friday announced that all banks across the nation will not exchange over the counter the new 2000 rupee notes on Saturday in order to update their pending works and tend to their respective customers.

Speaking to ANI here, IBA Chairman Rajeev Rishi stated that ever since demonetisation was announced, all banks have been working for extended hours including holidays to ensure the public at large was not inconvenienced.

“In fact, we have diverted all human resource to make sure that all those who stood in queues got their money exchanged, deposited and withdrawn. In the process what we have felt is that in the last one week our own customers have actually suffered. Routine works are not done and routine works are pending in banking activities,” he said.

However, senior citizens are exempted from the directive and banks will be accepting all their requests.

“We have taken a view that on Saturday, the banks shall not be doing exchange over the counter of 2000 rupees. We will make an exception for senior citizens. But tomorrow we will spend trying to update our works and do the works in relation to our own customers,” Rishi added.

Asserting that the time tomorrow will be used for meeting the needs of their own customers, the chairman further said that all banks will be observing their normal hours and will ensure their patrons get the full service and undivided attention in other matters.

ANI

Government to come up with national policy for senior citizens soon

Government to come up with national policy for senior citizens soon

New Delhi: In order to improve the standard of living of senior citizens, the government will soon come up with a national policy, which will focus on providing benefits of health care and accommodation to the elderly people.

A note in this regard has been prepared and it will be taken up by the Cabinet soon, a source said.

The note has been prepared by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry in consultation with various ministries and departments of the central government.

The note has taken into consideration the changing demographic pattern, socio-economic needs of the senior citizens, social value system, the source added.

This new and comprehensive national policy for senior citizens is based on the National Policy on Older Persons, 1999.

As a person grows old, his or her health becomes a major issue. Therefore, in the policy, special attention is being given to this aspect. The policy also talks about accommodation facilities for the senior citizens.

Another major thrust of the policy is to make the society and its younger generation sensitive towards their elders and at the same time, involve them in taking care of them, the source said.

According to the 2011 Census, the population of senior citizens in the country is 10.38 crore, which is about 8.6 per cent of the total population.

PTI

Facility for Disabled and Senior Citizens on Trains and at Railway Stations

Facility for Disabled and Senior Citizens on Trains and at Railway Stations

Instructions exist for provision of Wheel Chair at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice.

Almost all the Mail/Express trains (except special type of trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Janshatabdi, AC Special, Duronto) including Garib Rath trains have been provided with at least one disabled friendly coach. SLRD (Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) coaches and Power Cars for Garib Rath trains having provisions for PWD (Persons with Disability) Compartment with air-conditioning are already in service. These coaches have wider entrance doors for wheelchair access. Besides, following features are also provided:

i) Wider entrance doors of 920 mm width against 782 mm in conventional body side doors.
ii) Handrails on side walls for providing assistance to the disabled.
iii) Wider aisle of 1050 mm instead of usual 570 mm (the seats alongside the sidewall have been removed).
iv) Wider cushioned Berths – 707 mm instead of 607 mm in conventional coaches.
v) To accommodate wheel chairs, space between berths increased to 1201 mm against usual 542 mm.
vi) Larger Lavatory: 1947 mm square instead of 1540 mm x1189 mm.
vii) Wider lavatory door provided: 840 mm instead of usual 520 mm.
viii) Additional grab rails provided in the lavatory.
ix) Lower height of wash basin and mirror in the toilet.

Zonal Railways have been authorised to introduce ‘Battery Operated Vehicles’ at major Railway Stations for Disabled, Old Aged and sick Passengers on first come first served basis through sponsorship from individuals, NGOs, trusts, Charitable institutions, Corporates and PSUs/Corporate Houses under their Corporate Social Responsibility with no charge to passenger or to the Railway.

Provision/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for differently abled passengers is a continuous process. In order to provide better accessibility to differently abled passengers, short term facilities as detailed below have been planned at all stations:

· Standard ramp for barrier free entry.
· Earmarking at least two parking lots.
· Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building.
· Signages of appropriate visibility.
· At least one toilet (on the ground floor).
· At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by differently-abled persons.
· ‘May I help you’ Booth.

In addition, long term facilities as detailed below have been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:

· Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer.
· Engraving on edges of platform.

Instructions have been issued to zonal railways for providing above facilities at all ‘A-1’ category stations by July 2016 and to provide all identified short term facilities at 50% of stations by March 2018.

This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 29.04.2016 (Friday).

PIB