New Delhi : Looking after old parents and parent-in-law may be taxing,
bot those married sons and daughters who undertake this responsibility
may get tax-relief, conessions on medical expenses and preference in the
allotment of houses. This are among the many measures envisaged in the
country's first ``national policy on older persons.''
 Importantly, given the increasing murders of the old people in urban
centres like Delhi, the policy has also proposed the introduction of
special provisions in the Indian Penal Code to protect older persons
from domestic violence.
  The policy-draft, prepared by the Ministry of Social Justice and
empowerment, is now awaiting Cabinet apporval. The Government is
considering a national policy on older persons in the wake of the global
phenomenon of ageing populace, also affecting India. By the year 2016,
there will be more than 100 million Indians above the age of 60,
constituting about 9 per cent of the countyr's total population and 12
per cent of the electorate. This figure, is has been estimated, will
grow to more than 20 per cent in subsequent years, with improved life
expectancy.
 Though the draft national policy contains many measures for the welfare
of older persons, preserving and promoting the family values is the most
important one. Importantly, the policy encourages married daughters to
share the responsibility of supporting older parents who are found to
have greater emotional attachment with their daughters. Accordingly, the
policy-draft appeals for adjustment and changes in the perceptions of
in-laws.

-- Times of India, Oct 98.