NCP today demanded that the Maharashtra government should have a separate ministry to look into the issues concerning senior citizens.
Addressing a press conference here, party president and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said senior citizens comprise 12 per cent of the total population.
"There are about 90 lakh senior citizens in the state out of which 54 per cent are women. They are the educated class with vast experience in life...There should be separate ministry to deal with their issues," he said.
The senior citizens' policy should address their grievances, problems, he said, adding, those above the age of 60 should be considered as senior citizens.
The party's senior citizens charter also wants old age homes, affordable housing, financial assistance especially to widows, priority to needs of senior citizens in city development plans.
