While dealing with a plea seeking financial assistance for old age people, the Delhi High Court has observed that the Old Age Assistance Rules, 2009 are in existence to provide financial assistance to the destitute elderly people in Delhi.

The bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad also observed that the government is taking all initiatives and minimizing the grievances and resolving the grievances of the persons applying under the Scheme- Old Age Assistance Rules 2009.

The petition was filed by Janhit Samajik Nyay & Kalyan Samiti. The petitioner stated that it works for the cause of economically weaker sections, old age persons etc. who are unable to link and pursue their case because of old age, handicap etc.

Advocates Jawahar Raja and Hetu Arora Sethi appeared for the Government of Delhi.

While observing the counter affidavit filed by Social Welfare Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi , the Court noted that "….the Old Age Assistance Rules, 2009 are in existence in order to provide financial assistance to the destitute elderly people in Delhi and as per the eligibility criterion @ Rs.2,000/- per month in the age group of 60-69 years and Rs.2,500/- for elderly people in the age group of 70 years and above is being paid."

The Court also noted that the Department of Social Welfare, GNCTD has adopted a system of accepting application forms online on the e-District Web Portal in respect of the scheme in question right from the year 2017.

"It has also been brought to the notice of this Court that the deficiencies in the application forms are informed to the applicants on the spot and all assistance is being provided to the beneficiaries and the government is taking all initiatives and minimizing the grievances and resolving the grievances of the persons applying under the Scheme by regularly monitoring the status of the applications.", the Court observed.

Thus the Court held that no further orders are required to be passed in the present petition.

Cause Title- Janhit Samajik Nyay & Kalyan Samiti v. Lt Government of Delhi & Anr

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