New Delhi: The Supreme court today directed the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to ensure that senior citizens living alone during the current pandemic are provided with timely care and help.
The bench, comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Subhash R Reddy, was hearing a petition filed by former Law Minister and Senior Advocate Dr. Ashwani Kumar, seeking guidelines for the operation of old age homes, pensions and healthcare facilities for senior citizens.
The bench has directed the Centre and states to ensure that old age pensions are timely disbursed having regard to the present pandemic situation.
The bench has also directed the Centre to provide mask and sanitisers to all senior citizens living alone during the pandemic situation.
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In addition to the above directions, the Supreme Court has also directed the Centre to ensure that all kind of requests for help must be addressed immediately by the appropriate authorities.
– India Legal Bureau