National Policies and Strategies

National policies and strategies

Civil Code 1963

The civil code's division on the distribution of property rights included provisions for elderly people. civil code of 1963, section 10, states that; "It must be expressly stated in the Bandapatra that the parents desire to live with a specific son or daughter, and the son or daughter in question is responsible for looking after the parents. If the elderly parents are unable to support themselves financially and their son or daughter who does not live with them is responsible for providing for their needs (including food and clothing) in accordance with their income ". Similar to this, Section 11 of the Court Management Chapter states that hearings for cases involving physically disabled or elderly parties older than 75 years old should be given third priority. Priority one has been given to a person in detention or a prisoner who is being tried, and priority two has been given to unclaimed children under the age of 16.

Local Self Governance Act 1994

The Local Self Governance Act of 1999 contains a provision for the protection and development of orphan children, the defenseless, women, the elderly, and the disabled under the heading of the village development committee's duties, rights, and responsibilities.

Senior Citizen Policy 2058

In Nepal, there was no special policy for the elderly up until 2002. The government's primary policy document on the aged in the nation is Senior Citizen Policy 2058.

The working schedule established by the Vienna Conference and the United Nations Principles for Ageing is substantially followed. The goal of the strategy is to increase the elderly's respect and dignity in their families, communities, and country. It also aims to increase the elderly's potential for contributing to national development and to provide them with possibilities to help them maintain their independence.

National Plan of Action on Ageing 2062

The government of Nepal has created a National Plan of Action on Aging in response to the Madrid Plan of Acting on Ageing, 2002. The elderly are one of the key target groups for this action plan. In order to empower and promote the wellbeing of elders, this action plan has made an effort to take into account a variety of factors, including economics, social security, health and nutrition, participation and involvement, education and entertainment, and law.

Senior Citizen Act, 2063 Regulations 2065

The Senior Citizen Act, 2006 was passed by the Nepali government to protect the social, economic, and human rights of senior citizens. The Act's main goal is to safeguard and provide for senior citizens' social security. This law also guarantees old people's nutrition and health care, as well as their right to their property and the ability to use it, as well as specific facilities and a transit exemption for the elderly.

The Senior Citizen Act is effectively implemented according to the Senior Citizens Regulations 2065. It offers in-depth information on how to put policies and programs for older people's socioeconomic well-being and healthy aging into effect. It also provides the detailed procedures to be fulfilled to establish and run geriatric homes in the country. According to the regulation, specific terms and conditions must be considered to run Old Age Homes, Day Care Centers, and Geriatric Centers.

Government Initiatives

Since the implementation of the Ninth Five Year Plan, the government has begun to include plans, regulations, and programs for a family-based Security system to allow seniors to live in dignity (1997-2002). Since then, numerous efforts have been launched with the following goals in mind:

Health

• Guidelines called Jestha Nagarik Swashthapachar Sewa Karyakram Karyanyowan Nirdeshika 2061 BS (Senior Citizens Health Facilities Program Implementation Guideline 2061 BS), which aims to offer medical facilities to the elderly, were adopted by the Nepalese Council of Ministers on 2061-05-03 BS.
• The establishment of Jestha Nagarik Swashthopachar Kosh (Senior Citizens Health Facilities Fund) in each district is provided for by the government. Each year, the government allots a certain amount of money to each district for this reason.
• According to the "Senior Citizens Health Facilities Program Implementation Guideline 2061 BS," free medication and medical care up to Nrs. is given to older individuals who are impacted by poverty. From the fund, 2000 at a time in each of the 75 districts.
• The Government has proclaimed through the budget speech of fiscal year 2066/67 that the government will provide free health service for heart and kidney patient of 75 years and above age.
• However, these schemes have limited coverage and the government is severe.

Constrained by the financial, trained human resources and institutional capacity to provide the needed support and care for elderly.

Social Security Services

• For those who are 70 years of age and older, the government offers an Old-Age-Allowance (OAA) of Rs. 1000 each month. For a widow of any age, the government grants Rs. 500 every month. The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare oversees the management of the allowances, which are distributed at the village level by the Ministry of Local Development's regional offices.
• Many elderly persons who currently live in extreme poverty and are frequently treated as a burden by their families have also had their dignity restored. OAA is another way to honor senior citizens.
• The government also increases the total pension amount for retirees 75 years of age and older by 10%.

Old-age Homes

• For elderly people in need, there is an Old Age Home on the grounds of the Pashupati Nath temple (Pashupati Bridrashram). Only 230 senior citizens can be accommodated in the old age home, which is run by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare. As the first residential home for seniors, this is the sole senior shelter run by the government and it was founded in 1976.
• According to the government's registration records, there are roughly 70 organizations in Nepal (GCN 2010). These organizations vary in terms of their capacity, facilities, organizational status (government, private, GO, CBO, or personal charity), and the services they offer.
• Despite these efforts, the government lacks any official data on the number of elderly destitute people finding shelter in these old age homes.

Legal Provisions

• A separate Act, Rules, and Regulations are provided for in the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2006 (Article 13), specifically to protect the rights of elders. The government has previously created and published distinct Acts, Rules, and Regulations in compliance with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) 2002.
• The National Plan of Action, 2062, created for older persons, covers a variety of topics, including participation and involvement, health and nutrition, economic security, social security, education, entertainment, and legal conditions and reforms.