Tamilisai urges TN govt to strengthen elderly welfare
Chennai, June 9
BJP leader and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Tuesday urged the Tamil Nadu government to strengthen welfare measures for senior citizens following the alleged suicide of three elderly persons in Namakkal district, reportedly driven by old age, loneliness and lack of support.
Describing the incident as "deeply heartbreaking," Tamilisai Soundararajan said the tragedy underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive support system for elderly people living without adequate family or social care.
She appealed to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to identify senior citizens who are vulnerable, isolated or living alone and ensure they receive the assistance necessary to lead a dignified life.
According to her, the state government should establish mechanisms to provide such individuals with safe shelter, nutritious food, timely healthcare and emotional support. She stressed that immediate intervention was essential to prevent similar incidents and to address the growing challenges faced by an ageing population.
"The government must treat this incident with the seriousness it deserves and extend support to those who are affected and at risk," she said, adding that welfare systems for senior citizens should be strengthened across Tamil Nadu.
Highlighting welfare initiatives undertaken by the Centre, Tamilisai Soundararajan recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana to ensure food security for vulnerable sections of society during an unprecedented crisis.
The scheme, she said, played a crucial role in ensuring that poor families did not go hungry during the lockdown period.
She also pointed to measures introduced by the Union government to improve healthcare security for senior citizens, including expanding health insurance coverage for people aged 70 and above. Such initiatives, she said, reflected the importance of creating a strong safety net for the elderly.
Tamilisai Soundararajan said caring for senior citizens was not solely the responsibility of governments but also a moral obligation of society.
She observed that the true measure of humanity lay in the way people treated and cared for their elders.
Calling for collective action from both the government and the public, she said every effort should be made to safeguard the dignity, security and well-being of senior citizens and ensure they live with hope, respect and adequate support throughout their lives.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I agree with Tamilisaji's call for stronger welfare measures, but I wish she had also mentioned the need for mental health support. Loneliness and depression among the elderly is a growing crisis in Tamil Nadu. The government should set up helplines and community centers where seniors can interact and get counseling. It's not just about food and shelter—emotional well-being matters too.
Sad to see this happening in our state. While central schemes like PMGKAY helped during Covid, ground-level implementation in Tamil Nadu needs improvement. Many senior citizens don't even know what benefits they are entitled to. The state government should conduct door-to-door surveys and ensure pensions and rations reach the most vulnerable. Hope CM Joseph Vijay takes this seriously.
The real issue is the breakdown of joint families. In earlier times, grandparents were the heart of the home. Now with both children working abroad or in other cities, elders are left alone. We need policies that encourage families to stay together or at least provide support for elderly care. Also, local panchayats and ward offices should keep a check on isolated seniors.
Respectful criticism: Tamilisai is right to demand action, but it feels a bit opportunistic—she knows the state government is facing heat. That said, the issue is genuine. Suicide among elderly is a silent crisis. Instead of pointing fingers, both Centre and state should work together. Also, where is the mention of affordable healthcare? Rising medical costs are a big reason for despair among seniors.
This is a wake-up call for all of us.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.