All India Senior Citizens' Confederation (AISCCON)

At the outset we, on behalf of All India Senior Citizens' Confederation (AISCCON), the largest, registered, representative organization of Senior Citizens, present our Hearty Compliments and Season's Warm Greetings to you. We are aware that your Ministry, under your able stewardship, would be fully engaged in ground preparations for the ensuing Railway Budget. We, therefore, aptly feel that this communication would enable you to include favourable announcements concerning the comprehensive welfare of Senior Citizens. On prior occasions we have written to you and have explained the background of expectations vide our letter dated 5th June 2009. Giving preference to brevity and focusing your kind attention on the vital items that need inclusion in the Budget we quote below the Resolution adopted in our 9th National Conference :

"The 9th National Conference of AISCCON held at Haridwar on 31st
October & 1st November 2009 unanimously resolves and requests the
Union Railway Minister to –

i) Announce 50% travel concession to male Senior Citizens (60+), as is already given to Women Senior Citizens, in the ensuing Railway Budget for 2010-2011. The Conference also requests the Railway Minister to make available this concession for all trains, including Passenger Trains, so that the rural poor Senior Citizens segment will get the benefits more conspicuously;

ii) The concession should also be available in Tatkal reservation of tickets, and for transfer to another class;


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iii) Old-old Senior Citizens (85+) should be considered as disabled and handicapped persons and the facility of one accompanying person free should be allowed to them;

iv) A small sub-compartment – like the one for the disabled – in each suburban local train should be reserved for Senior Citizens for their safe travel;

v) Elevators or lifts be installed at all major Railway Stations to give relief to Senior Citizens from physical strain in climbing up the stairs and bridges, and

vi) Circular be issued by the Railway Ministry for arranging separate 'Q' for Senior Citizens at all Stations for all types of tickets.

Proposed by : Prof. Visweswarariah
Seconded by : Shri N. Ramakrishna

Carried unanimously".

Madam, the above expectations of Senior Citizens are of great importance from view point of comprehensive welfare of Senior Citizens. We, therefore, feel confident that you will positively make favourable announcements in the Budget and obolige the Elderly Community.

Dr. S.P. Kinjawadekar
President, AISCCON