Kathmandu, Nov 13: The provisions stipulating the reservation of at least two seats for senior citizens in public motor vehicles by ensuring them at least 50 percent discount on the transport fare are yet to be implemented effectively.
Nagendra Sapkota, a 70-year-old resident of Baneshwor, voiced his concerns, stating that despite the Senior Citizens Act of 2063 BS (2006) being in place for many years in Nepal, people like him face various obstacles in receiving the facilities granted by the Act. He said he has so far got no discount in public transport for being a senior citizen.
Bir Bahadur Magar, 69, from Sindhuli said he got scolded by a driver’s assistant whenever he demanded a concession in public vehicles. Magar recounted instances where he was required to pay the full fare, as the service providers claimed ignorance of the concession provision for elderly passengers.
The Clause 9 of the Act has ensured facilities and concessions for senior citizens. ” It shall be the duty of all to provide necessary services, facilities and assistance to the senior citizens in any public vehicles, public undertakings, medical services, religious and public places,” it states. The Act further requires health organizations specified by the government to offer a concession of at least fifty percent on fees for the treatment of senior citizens. More, it directs other organizations providing public services, such as drinking water, electricity, and telephone services, to prioritize senior citizens.
National Senior Citizens Federation outgoing Chair Madan Das Shrestha said the discount facilities on the passenger fare and in medical treatment ensured for the senior citizens have not been brought into practice in a true sense. He asserted that the government is responsible for translating the legal provisions for the elderly seniors into actions.
