World Senior Citizen Day 2023: All you need know about the concessions and facilities available for elderly

Here are some of the major concessions and benefits provided by the government to senior citizens.

As per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines, for the registration and clinical examinations in hospitals, senior citizens are offered priority services. At government hospitals, there are dedicated lines and counters for senior citizens. Senior citizens belonging to below poverty line (BPL) categories are offered additional health insurance coverage of Rs 30,000 per annum under the Senior Citizens Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).

A special concession for senior citizens is offered for travelling in state roadways buses. Under this, two seats are reserved in the front row of all State Road Transport buses. Apart from this, many state governments provide bus fare concessions to senior citizens.

Most airlines provide up to 50 percent discount on normal economy class tickets for senior citizens on all domestic flights.

The Department of Telecommunications also provides certain benefits for elderly citizens. Under the Non-Own Your Telephone (N-OYT) special category, which is a priority category, a senior citizen can register their telephone connection. Additionally, the faults and complaints of elderly customers are addressed on priority.