Woes of senior Citizen

With steep increase prices of essential commodities like rice, wheat, Dal, edible oil, vegetables and fruits (by over 50%) and rapid decline in interest rates of Bank FD's (from 11% o 7.5%), Senior Citizens were expecting some relief from the budget. But except for a paltry increase in income tax exemption rates, their expectations were thoroughly belied. The least the government could do to mitigate the sufferings of elderly, is to raise the interest rates for Senior citizens in Bank deposits and Senior Citizens Saving Scheme and Post office Monthly income schemes by 1%. Presently 15H form has to be submitted to avoid TDS when the interest in Bank FD's exceed Rs. 10000 and that in Manufacturing companies exceed Rs. 5000. These limits should be increased to Rs 20000 and Rs 10000 for Bank FD's and manufacturing companie's FD's. Private hospitals should be directed to give 50% concessions on medical treatment to them. Concession should also be given in boarding and lodging charges in Government run and private hotels like Yatri Nivas and pilgrimage tours.
N.Balasubramanian