Helpage India Guide
Helpage India Guide
Helpage India Guide
HelpAge India
Head Office
C-14, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi - 110 016
Tel.: 011-41688955-56; 011-42030400, Fax: 91-11-26852916
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website: www.helpageindia.org
National Helpline No.: 1800 180 1253
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Introduction
HelpAge India has been working for the cause and care of the disadvantaged
older persons in the country for the last 37 years. During this time we have
implemented projects for improving the quality of life of older persons
by providing medical care through Mobile Medicare Units, ophthalmic
operations to restore vision, income generation through micro credit and
micro enterprises projects; social security to destitute elderly through
sponsor-a grand parent programme providing support to day care centres,
old age homes and hospitals and urgent support to elderly after natural
disasters. We have spent considerable resources, both, human and material
to implement these projects which deliver age care. We have the satisfaction
of improving the quality of life of more than a million elderly through these
projects. However, we have not been able to touch the challenges faced
by 90% of the elderly population in the country. To face this enormous
challenge, we have decided to make dedicated effort to do advocacy at all
levels for ensuring the rights of older persons.
Awareness is the first step for concerted effort for advocacy. The Senior
Citizens Guide and other such publications of HelpAge India are an effort
to create awareness among older persons and other stake holders. We
hope that the updated version will prove useful to the readers.
Mathew Cherian
Chief Executive Officer
HelpAge India
4
contents
1. Constitutional Provisions 7
3. Legal Rights 27
(a) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 27
(b) Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 27
(c) Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act, 2007 27
(d) Personal Law 28
5. MISCELLANEOUS 69
(i) Telephone 69
(ii) Helplines 70
(iii) Expeditious Disposal of Court Cases 71
(iv) Special Scheme for Sanskrit Pandits
above the age of 55 years 72
(v) Magazines for the Elderly 72
(vi) Facilitie for Senior Citizens in Delhi 73
vii) Benefits for Older Persons in Himachal Pradesh 73
(viii) Learning Opportunities and Second Careers 74
Annexure 75
7
Constitutional Provisions
Constitution of India, entry 24 in list III of schedule VII deals with the
Welfare of Labour, including conditions of work, provident funds, liability
for workmens compensation, invalidity and old age pension and maternity
benefits. Further, Item No. 9 of the State List and item 20, 23 and 24
of Concurrent List relates to old age pension, social security and social
insurance, and economic and social planning.
NPOP seeks to assure older persons that their concerns are national
concerns and they will not live unprotected, ignored and marginalised. It
aims to strengthen their legitimate place in society and help older people to
live the last phase of their life with purpose, dignity and peace. It provides a
broad framework for inter sector collaboration and cooperation both within
the government as well as between government and non-governmental
agencies. The Policy also recognizes the role of the NGO sector in providing
user friendly affordable services to complement the endeavours of the State
in this direction. While recognising the need for promoting productive ageing,
the policy also emphasizes the importance of family in providing vital non
formal social security for older persons.
9
In the year 2010, the Ministry constituted a review Committee under the
Chairpersonship of Dr (Mrs)V Mohini Giri to assess the present status
of various issues concerning senior citizens and to draft a new National
Policy on Older Persons; in view the changing demographic pattern,
socio-economic needs of the senior citizens, social value system and
advancement in the field of science and technology over the last decade,.
The Committee, after holding several consultation/regional/subcommittee
meetings with the stakeholders, submitted the draft National Policy on Senior
Citizens, 2011 on 30.03.2011. A New National Policy for Senior Citizens is
under consideration. The recommendations of eth Committee are available
on http://socialjustice.nic.in/pdf/dnpsc.pdf
Director (SD),
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment,
Room No. 635, A Wing, Shastri Bhawan,
New Delhi - 110001 (India).
Phone: 91-11-2338 3256 (Off.) 227 (Intercom)
Tax Benefits
The Ministry provides the following facilities for
senior citizens:
Major Components
To establish geriatric department in all the
existing 8 Regional Geriatrics Centres
Strengthening healthcare facilities for elderly
at various levels of 100 identified districts in 21
States of the country.
Regional Institutions to provide technical support
to geriatric units at district hospitals whereas
district hospitals will supervise and coordinate
the activities down below at CHC, PHC and sub-
centers.
A total of 104 districts of 24 States/UTs and 8
Regional Geriatric Centres have been covered
under the Programme. So far, 930 CHCs, 4439
PHCs and 28767 Sub-centres have been covered
under the Programme.
For details log on to http://www.mohfw.nic.in/
index1.php?lang=1&level=2&sublinkid=2183&l
id=1879
Annapurna
The NCSC will advise Central and state Governments on the entire gamut
of issues related to welfare of senior citizens and enhancement of their
quality of life, with special reference to the following:
The expenditure on meetings of the NCSC will be met from the non-plan
budget of the Ministry.
Source: www.socialjustice.nic.in
Implementing Agencies:
Eligibility Criteria
Legal Rights
National Old Age Pension Scheme was broad based to cover all BPL
families. All persons of 60 years or above belonging to a household below
the poverty line (BPL). The Central Assistance under IGNOAPS shall be
at the rate of Rs. 200 per month per beneficiary. States have been urged
to give matching amounts. Some states are giving additional amounts. The
pension is to be credited, where possible, into a post office or public sector
bank account of the beneficiary. The States/ UTs are required to furnish
a certificate that all eligible persons have been covered under IGNOAPS.
State Governments also give pension to destitute and needy older people.
The rate of pension per month is as follows:
and Secretary
of the Municipal
Corporation
Sub-Divisional
Magistrate
for sanction/
rejection
Himachal 500( up to 79 500 (For (For IGNOAPS) (For IGNOAPS)
Pradesh years) IGNOAPS) BPL card holder 1. Age proof.
1000 (80+) 60+ (For State OA 2. BPL Card
For Pension)
State OA Annual income
Pension) For State Pension
if destitute
60 years Rs.6000/- 1. Age proof.
Process of
Application:
1. Go to the
Khidmat Centre
2. Carry all the
necessary
documents
mentioned
above
3. Take the help
of Khidmat
Centre operator
in registering to
e-forms site
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4. Note down
the unique
registration Id
after successful
registration
for future
references
Jharkhand 400 (60-79 ------ 60+ BPL NA
years)
700 (80+)
Karnataka 400 For State For State OA NA
OA Pension Pension
65+ The combined
annual income
of the proposed
pensioner and
his or her spouse
shall not exceed
Rs.20,000/- as
certified by the
local revenue
authority
2) Residence
Proof for the
last three years
duly attested
(Voter Identity
Card, Ration
Card, Electricity
Bill, Aadhar
Card)
Delhi 1000(60-69 60+ A resident of the A. Proof of
years) National Capital residence
Territory of Delhi document which
1500 (70+)
for at least 5 clearly shows at
years preceding least 5 years of
the date of residence in Delhi
submission of
B. Proof of age
application
C. A self-
His/her annual
declaration by
family income
the applicant
should not be
regarding his/her
more than Rs.
family income
60,000/- p.a
from all sources D.
Has a singly- Recommendation
operated account by a Gazetted
in any Bank or Officer of Central/
Post Office for State Govt. or
receiving the MP/MLA and the
payment through accompanying
electronic clearing documents should
system. This also be attested.
provision may E. In case No
be relaxed in the Documentary
case of mentally Evidence is
challenged available with the
applicants or applicant in r/o
those who proof of residence,
come under the i) the applicant will
purview of Legal need to produce
Guardianship statements of
as per rules of any of the two
National Trust. witnesses from
Is not in receipt the following list,
of any pension/ stating the period
financial of applicants
assistance from length of stay in
Central/State Delhi-1.
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Govt./MCD/ Public
NDMC or any representative
other source for such as MP of
this purpose the area, MLA
of the area, 2.
President or
General Secretary
of RWA of the
locality 3. Two
neighbours of the
applicant with their
contact details
4. Registered
women SHGs/
Mahila Mandals
President
or General
Secretary 5. ICDS
Supervisors/
ASHA workers
of the area 6.
Gazetted Officer
of the Central/
Delhi Govt.
ii) Along with
the witnesss
statement,
the relevant
document for the
photo identity
proof, residence
and length of stay
for the witnesses
shall also have to
be appended with
the application,
clearly showing
that the witnesses
themselves have
been around in
the same for all
except Public
representative
such as MP/MLA
of the area.
Other conditions:
It will be obligatory
for the beneficiary
40
to inform of
any change in
address and/or
bank details like
change in bank,
a/c number
subscriber can switch from one to the other option subject to general
regulatory norms. The subscriber can simply open an account with NPS
which provides a unique Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
It provides seamless portability across jobs and locations. The scheme
is structured into two Tiers: I: permanent non-withdrawal account and
II: Voluntary withdrawal account for using funds and when needed. At
the time of exit from NPS, he subscribers may use the pension wealth to
purchase a life annuity from a PFRDA empanelled life insurance company
apart from withdrawing a part of the accumulated pension weather as
lump-sum.
There are few models of the scheme: All Citizen, Government Sector,
Corporate, NPS Swavlamban and Atal Person Yojana.
For more information on the scheme long on to www. http://www.pfrda.org.in/
Persons who will not opt for critical illness cover are entitled to Hospitalization
and Domiciliary hospitalization expenses cover for those diseases
categorized above as critical illness but up to the limit of Sum Insured
under Section I i.e. under Hospitalization and Domiciliary Hospitalization
46
Expenses and the claim for those diseases will be paid on reimbursement
basis or as cashless hospitalization.
For fresh entry in to the scheme the age limit is 60 years to 80 years.
However, for renewal, age limit will be extended up to 90 years in which
case the premium of 76 years to 80 years age band will be loaded by 10%
up to 85 years and 20% up to 90 years of age.
age bands and sum insured opted ranges from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 29,000.
New Entrants have to bear 10 per cent extra on the above. The insured has
to bear compulsory co-pay of 20 per cent of the admissible claim amount.
Additional optional co-pay of 10 to 50 per cent will reduce the premium by
the same proportion. For claim free years discount in premium up to 20 per
cent is built in. Cashless payment through TPA up to Rs. 1 lakh is available
under the policy.
Source: Pharma Health Newswire Vol 1 No. 5 December 2007
Salient features:
Premium is to be paid in a lump sum
Minimum purchase price : Rs.100,000/- for all distribution channels
except online; Rs.150,000/- for on line
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Key Benfites
No medical test required upto 85 years of age
No Sub-limits plans are available for Schengen countries
Cashless medical services across the world
Quality health care facility for insured through UHI
Original policy cover for 180 days can be extended to another 180 days.
Get Medical Concierge Services, Automotive Assistance Services and
Lifestyle Services for dependents in India.
Political Risk and Catastrophe Evacuation get paid for cost of Insureds
return to the Country of Residence
Get cover for Total Loss of Checked In Baggage including handbags
Compassionate Visit - Payment of traveling and lodging & boarding
expenses for a family member or relative in case of Insureds
hospitalization for more than 5 days
Pay per day, slab rate only for first 7 days. Beyond 7 days then pay on
per day basis
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Political Risk and Catastrophe Evacuation- get paid for cost of Insureds
return to the Country of Residence
Policy can be extended online in case of any trip extension plans. Beyond
stipulated time, just pay only for number of days extended.
For details log on to http://www.icicilombard.com/app/ilom-en/
personalproducts/ Travel.aspx Or call 1800-209-8888
Key Features
Deferred Annuity Plan without Bonus facility
All premiums in this plan including top-up premiums paid, net of charges
are transferred to the Individual Pension Account which is then invested
in the Capital Guaranteed Fund
The Individual Pension Account is guaranteed to grow at minimum 1%
compounded per annum
There is an additional Interest Guarantee of 4% per annum compounding
applicable on the Individual Pension Account during the first 5 policy
years and 0.5% thereafter
The Individual Pension Account also receives a Residual Addition of
interest from the end of the 5th Policy year onwards
In this plan, there is a flexibility in choosing retirement date when the
Pension payout will start
There is also a flexibility to alter the premium payment term in this plan
This plan offers Loyalty Benefit for total premiums of Rs 4,80,000 or more
In addition to Regular Premiums, the policyholder can choose to pay
Top Up Premiums except in the last 2 policy years
Eligibility Conditions
Source: http://www.dsij.in/research/insurance/insurance-details/schemecode/
ulipma999.aspx
For details on this and other such schemes log on to: http://www.
avivaindia.com/en/Individual/Retirement
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This is Deferred Annuity plan that allow the policyholder to make provision
for regular income after the selected term.
Tax Benefits: Tax relief under Section 80ccc is available on premiums paid
under New Jeevan Suraksha I (Table No.147). The premiums paid under
New Jeevan Dhara I (Table No.148) qualify for tax relief under Section 88.
Bonuses: These are with-profit plans and participate in the profits of the
Corporations annuity/pension business. Policies get a share of the profits
in the form of bonuses. Simple Reversionary Bonuses are declared per
thousand Sum Assured annually at the end of each financial year. Once
declared, they form part of the guaranteed benefits of the plan. Final
(Additional) Bonuses may also be payable provided policy has run for a
certain minimum period.
For more information on this and other such schemes log on to www.
licindia.com
The Banks offers an additional rate of 0.50% p.a. on deposits of one year
and above to senior citizens, on domestic term deposit schemes.
- Telebanking
- Internet banking
(For more details visit www.indusind.com
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(ii) Citibank Senior Citizen Account gives higher interest rate on fixed
deposits; free transactions at ATMs of all banks; succession planning
service to help you protect/preserve your wealth. Other benefits include
discounts at leading hospitals, spa, exclusive annual membership plan
at leading natural therapy centres, free consultation with Ayurvedic
experts, tailor-made tour packages to religious/exotic destinations
and regular assistance on travel booking. For other privileges like
loan against property and facilities against your investment in equity
shares and mutual funds please log on to www.online.citibank.co.in.
The loan scheme for senior citizens with low interest rates such as Personal
Loan Scheme for Pensioners to meet immediate requirements like medical
expenses.
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ICICI Banks Life Plus Senior Citizens Savings Account, a saving account
designed for customers above 60 years of age.
Special Features
Special Senior Citizens Desk for all your banking transactions, saving
the wait in queues
Special Senior Life Plus Debit card, free of charge
Free and unlimited cash transactions at branch
Free SMS alert facility
Money Multiplier facility gives a higher interest rate than savings account,
while money stays within the reach of the account holder.
Source: http://www.icicibank.com/Personal-Banking/account-deposit/lifeplus-
senior-citizen-savings-account/index.page
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Features
Minimum Investment: Rs 1000 and in multiples thereof
Maximum Investment: Rs 15 lakh
Interest Rate: 9.2% (TDS applicable)
Interest Option: Quarterly
Interest payment dates: 31st March, 30th June, 30th September, 31st
December
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Tenure: 5 Years
Extension of Account: For a further period of 3 years ( request to be
given within one year from maturity).
Mode of disbursement:
Any or a combination of following:
Periodic Payments. (Monthly, Quarterly, Half yearly, annual). (Maximum
monthly payment is capped at Rs. 50,000)
Payment of Lump sum amount (restricted to 50% of the total eligible
amount of loan subjected to maximum cap of Rs. 15 Lakhs).
Source: website: http://www.idbi.com/reverse-mortgage-loan.asp
Wellness Centre
The Chief Medical Officers/Medical Officer In charge of the dispensaries are
responsible for proper and smooth working of the dispensary and to ensure
observance of such orders as may be issued by the competent authority
of CGHS from time to time.
(ii) E.S.I.
E.S.I.C. under the name and style of The E.S.I.C. Pensioners Medical
Scheme,2006 which shall come into force w.e.f. 1st April, 2006.
Source: www.esic.in/pensioner.pdf
a) Ministry of Health (on request from the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment) has issued instructions to all state governments to provide
for separate queues for older persons in hospitals for registration and
clinical examination.
(Annual Report 2000-2001, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
Government of India)
b) Special Health Care facilities provided in various states
Sunday Clinics at various Hospitals of Delhi exist to enable senior citizens
to get medical Care easily. The aim is to provide OPD services/facilities
on Sundays in the hospitals under Delhi Government so that the older
patients caregivers can also accompany them without having to take
leave from their workplace.
GOA
Directorate of Health Services has reserved certain percentage of
beds to the senior citizens in government hospitals.
64
GUJARAT :
Free IOL (Intra Ocular Lens) is given to elderly (60 yrs. and above)
for cataract surgery. Separate queues for older persons in hospitals.
Rajasthan
All the elderly above the age of 70 years are entitled of free treatment,
medicines and investigation in all government hospitals.
1. JAIPUR
Source: rajasthan.nic.in
1 JODHPUR
Dr. S.N Medical college runs geriatric clinic once a week.
KERALA
MADHYA PRADESH
The mayor of Indore has announced that in case of serious ailment
the senior citizens in the city would be entitled to following benefits:
expenditure of 30 days before hospitalization + expenditure during
hospitalization + 45 days after hospitalization or Rs. 20,000/-
whichever is lesser.
(Website: madhyapradesh.nic.in)
MAHARASHTRA
Under District Blindness Control Scheme the state pays Rs. 600/- per
IOL (Intra Ocular Lens) operation.
There are separate queues in hospitals for Older Persons.
KEM Hospital has provision of separate beds for Older Persons.
Conducts
Geriatric clinic once a week for senior citizens.
Alzheimers & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) - Mumbai
Chapter has recently got a place in J J Hospital Premises. family
member or friend of Alzheimers patient could visit ARDSI at J J
Hospital Municipal School Building, Room no. 27, 2nd floor, on any
Wednesday between 12 and 2 p.m. Dr. Shirin Barodawala, neuro-
pathologist, 23513253, will be available.
MANIPAL
Kasturba Medical College and Hospital has geriatric clinic
services available.
TAMIL NADU
1. Geriatric wards and OPD in Government Medical college and
Hospital in Chennai.
2. Geriatric OPD in Government General Hospital in Madurai.
3. Geriatric Care Clinic/Hospital run by Lions Club, Coimbatore.
Health Card to be issued to the senior citizen which could be
used in any government hospital in the state.
4. A separate OPD, which provides comprehensive care for senior
citizens free of cost.
66
UTTAR PRADESH:
The state pays Rs. 600/- per IOL operation under DBCS. KGMC,
Lucknow, runs a Geriatric- OPD once in a week in the afternoon.
The Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU has geriatric clinic
services available.
VELLORE
CMC vellore has geriatric clinic services available.
DTC has made provision for reservation of seats for senior citizen
in the buses
2. Tamil Nadu :
In Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation buses, two seats in the front
exclusively for old people and handicapped.
3. Maharashtra
BEST buses in Mumbai offer no concessions. However senior citizens
can enter the bus from the front side.
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses provide
50% concession if a person is 65 years and above and has an election
identity card or a Tehsildar certificate.
Local trains in Mumbai have around 8-10 seats for the senior citizens
in only one of the compartments.
4. Chandigarh
Senior citizens pass holders get 50% travel concession for travelling
in city buses in Chandigarh.
5. Goa
Kadamba Transport Corporation (K.T.C.) provides 5% reservation of
seats in. bus for senior citizens.
6. Punjab
Elderly women above 60 years enjoy free travel in Punjab
7. Rajasthan
RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) provides a
concession of 25% to a person of 65 years and above.
8. Kerala
Free passes are provided to old people who are freedom fighters to travel
in fast and express buses. Reservation of two seats in the buses for
senior citizens.
9. Charging of Senior Citizen Travelling On Concession No. 360-P/Sr.
Citizen/2001
The issue regarding charging of senior citizens travelling on concession,
who do not produce age proof during journey, has been examined.
68
Ministry of Railways have decided that in such cases, only the difference
of concessional fare paid and non-concessional fare payable shall
be charged. Penalty will not be charged in such cases. Necessary
instructions have been issued to all concerned immediately.
Source: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/chrging_srcitizen.htmlv
Miscellaneous
(i) Telephone:
Telephone connection would be given on priority to senior citizens of age
65 years and above. They shall be entitled to register their demand for
one telephone connection in their name. The telephones thus provided
shall be transferable only in the name of spouse, if alive after death of the
subscriber as a general category telephone and subsequent transfers shall
be governed by prevailing telephone transfer rules.
(Vide office circular of Government of India, Ministry of Communications,
Dept. of Telecommunications, New Delhi, No. 11/99 &. 1-12/99 PHA dated
05.10.1999)
(a) Department of Telecommunications has made special provisions
for senior citizens whoapply for a new telephone connection. The
70
Cansupport
Helpline: 011-26102851, 26102869,26102862, 26711212
Email: [email protected]
Helplines in Delhi
Anti corruption : 1031 and 011-27357169
PWD Helpline 1800 11 0093 and email to [email protected]
Taxation Helpline1800 4250 0025
Water helpline 1916
Auto/ Transport department Helpline 011-23958836
DDMA Helpline 1077
AIDS Helpline 1097
Dignity Foundation Helplines:
Chennai 044-24330363, 094-89-038762,
Kolkata - 98318 83578 , 99034 87310
Mumbai: 6138 1100
Nightingales and the Bangalore City Police: 1090 / 22943226
Nightingales Medical Trust Elders help line: 23548444/555, 8042426565
Silver nnings: Mumbai:Elder Helpline - 1298
Shree Manav Seva Sangh: 24092266
Kolkata:
- Dignity Foundations help line for senior citizens
- Senior Citizen Helpline: 98318 83578 / 99034 87310
Hyderabad
- Heritage Foundation Helpline: 23390000, 91-40-2337 9999
Mumbai High Court has announced that it would give out-of-turn priority to
hearing and disposal of petitions wherein litigants have crossed 65 years of
age. The High Court decision would also be applicable to its benches at Goa,
Aurangabad and Nagpur besides the subordinate courts in the State. It would
extend to all the matters including civil or criminal pending in any court of law.
Union Minister for Law and Justice wrote to the Chief Ministers of all States
to set up Fast Track Courts (FTCs) for speedy disposal of cases. In order
of disposal due priority is given to more vulnerable segments like elderly.
Separate track of courts for senior citizens would be immensely useful to
dispose of all cases, civil, criminal, and pending at district level. In case
additional courts cant be created for this purpose, then administrative
arrangements like: in case of two FTCs, one may be earmarked to deal
exclusively with cases involving senior citizens; in case of one FTC,
instructions may be issued for deal with all cases involving elderly on
priority; all cases pertaining to elderly may be transferred to the nearest
FTC; all civil matters involving elderly may also be transferred to the FTC
earmarked for senior citizens.
Source: DO No 1211/2/2003-Jus(M) 1728 dated 10th July 2003. Copy available
on http://socialjustice.nic.in/pdf/lawministertochiefminister.pdf
(iv) Special Scheme for Sanskrit Pandits above the age of 55 years:-
The ones who have earned their livelihood by teaching Sanskrit & presently
doesnt have any other income source are given financial assistance to the
extent of Rs. 10,000/- .
Annexure-1
A pensioner will have the option to pay contribution either based on his last
pay drawn or based on his present pension (excluding Dearness Relief).
Pensioners who are provided medical facilities through ESI institutions shall
remain entitled to the available ward irrespective of their entitlement. Those
who are referred to any other recognized hospitals shall be entitled to the
class of accommodation as shown below:-
There shall be a designated Nodal Officer for each State/UT who will be
empowered for reference to other approved hospital in case the facility
77
A copy of the scheme is sent herewith the request to bring the contents of
the scheme to the notice of all concerned.
To
Mission
President Emeritus
Mr. M. M. Sabharwal, OBE
Governing Body
Chairman
Mr. Amal Ganguli
Vice Chairman
Mr. P C Sen
Treasurer
Mrs. Shanta Chatterji
Mr. K. S. B. Sanyal
Mr. J. C. Luther
Mr. T S Krishna Murthy
Mr. Arun Seth
Mr. Pramod Bhasin
Ms. Rumjhum Chatterjee
Dr. (Mrs.) Asha Padgaonkar
Mr. K.T. Chacko
Mr. Arun Nanda
Dr Devi Shetty