RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE 1 93 • Ascertain from various States as to the action being taken by them to check abuse of the elderly and the action that they propose to take to protect the rights of the aged. • Pensions for older persons. • Provision in the Indian Penal Code to make abuse of the elderly an offence punishable under law. • Starting of a website by the Government which can provide, at one place, information on health, investment, Government circulars etc. relating to older persons along the lines of ELDERNET. 8.43 The Commission sought the response of the Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Home Affairs, Finance, Health and Family Welfare and Insurance Companies on these suggestions. • The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has indicated that, to facilitate quicker dissemination of the Department's orders and clarifications and to make them easily accessible to Pensioners' Associations and others, all matters relating to pensioners have been made available on the internet and can be accessed at www.nic.in.persmin. • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has circulated the recommendation for the provision of separate queues for older persons in hospitals to all States and Union Territories. • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has indicated that it is implementing two schemes, namely, an Integrated Programme for Older Persons, and a Scheme of Assistance to Panchyati Raj Institutions/Voluntary Organisations/Self Help Groups for construction of old age homes. 8.44 The Commission has requested Shri K.B. Saxena, IAS (Retd.), formerly Secretary to Government of India, to study the existing schemes and to advise the Commission in respect of them. 8.45 Representatives of the Insurance sector have been called to the Commission to discuss the coverage of older persons in Medical Insurance Schemes. They have been ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002