New Delhi, May 22 (UNI) The UPA Government has proposed to bring in new legislation to make the process of claiming maintenance simpler, speedier and less expensive for promoting the care and protection of senior citizens.

This is stated in a report entitled ''Report to the People'' which was released by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on completion of three years of the UPA Government in office at a function here today.

In order to provide far more effective provisions for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citiens a ''Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Bill'' has also been introduced in Parliament.

The bill proposeses to cast an obligation on the people, who inherit the property of aged relatives, to maintain such aged people. It also proposes to make provisions for setting up old- age homes for the senior citizens.

It has provisions for better medical facilities them, besides protecting their lives and properties.

An exclusive health insurance scheme for senior citizens has also been launched.

To extend support for managing their livelihoods, pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme has also been increased from Rs 75 to Rs 200 per month for destitute people of 65 years and above.

A Senior Citizen Saving Scheme has also been launched with attractive interest rates.

The UPA Government has announced the introduction of a novel product for senior citizens through the National Housing Bank, a reverse mortgage, under which a senior citizen who is the owner of a house can avail of a monthly income against the mortgage of his or her house while remaining the owner and occupying the house throughout his or her lifetime without repaying or servicing the loan.

UNI