India has developed various medical strategies in the past few years. This has, in turn, resulted in the growth of the population and low mortality rate has been observed. The senior citizens have been steady in number because of longevity in their life and others improve medical conditions and facilities. In order to provide a better life and sustainability to the old citizens living in this country, the government has takena few steps. The senior citizen’s card is one of the major approaches that has been taken.
The several benefits provided by the senior citizen card in India are listed below:
- Benefits in income tax-related returns:
There are strict laws in India about the income tax. However, in the case of senior citizens, it is understandable that retirement changes situations financially. This is the reason why the income tax department provides some relaxation to the old people of India. Any person who has crossed the age of 60 years is considered as a senior citizen by the tax department. Any person who is above the age of 80 years is considered as super senior citizens by the tax department in the government of India.
For senior residents, pay up to Rs. 3 lakh is excluded from the charge. Salary between Rs. 3-6 lakh is saddled at 10% while a salary between Rs. 5-10 lakh is saddled at 20%. Pay above Rs. 10 lakh is saddled at 30%.
You may likewise benefit from assessment derivation under Section 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961 for medical coverage premium. Senior residents experiencing basic disease can get charge reasoning of up to Rs.50,000.
- Lower prices for the flight tickets:
The flight tickets are so expensive that they might burn a hole in the pocket of the buyers. However, a retired senior citizens can have troubles managing that much amount of money. Therefore for senior citizens who hold the senior citizen’s card, there is a great benefit of lowered ticket prices. The senior citizens are allowed various discounts and offer exclusively while travelling. The people who are above the age of 63 years are considered eligible for discounts while travelling in economy class. A sum total of 50% is discounted in Air India while taking a domestic flight.
In the case of other airway companies such as jet airways, the discounts can only be availed above the age of 65 years. While Travelling in a domestic flight 50% returns can be availed. However, it is only applicable to economy class.
- Lower prices of railway tickets:
If an old citizen is looking for offers to go and visit their far off family members and relatives, what’s better then getting the benefits of the senior citizen’s card. The prices of railways can be deducted by use of the card. Males can get a discount of 40% in all the railway trains such as Mail, Rajadhani, Shatabdi and so on. On the other hand, the female senior citizens can avail a discount of 50% for the same. The tickets have a discount only when they aren’t booked in tatkal.
There are separate booking counters available. This also comes out as an added benefit because the senior citizen doesn’t have to stand in long queues.
- Lowered amount of telephone bills:
The telephone bills can also be subsidised under the benefits of senior citizen card. The prices are lowered to reduce the load financial burden. For citizens above the age of 65, the benefits can be availed. In the case of the BSNL service providers, the benefits can also be available while getting a new connection registered for the first time.
In the case of MTNL service providers, the discount availed is 25% during the new connection registration.
- Benefits in banking services:
Banks are working a great deal towards the progress of the old citizens. Many offers and new deals have been put forward that benefitsthe senior citizens. There are various special discounts and treatment options available.
There are separate counters for senior citizens to avoid them the discomfort of standing in long queues. Also, the interest rates in some accounts are consecutively higher than normal rates for senior citizens.
