States were directed to Tighten Norms in Granting Licenses to New Medical Institutes - CURRENT AFFAIRS 6

The Union government of India on 14 January 2012 directed all the states to tighten norms in granting licenses to open new medical institutes, and ensure fire safety provisions mandatory, for launching any such new ventures. The Home Ministry order came weeks after a devastating fire at the Kolkata hospital, which claimed more than 90 lives.

The states were directed to ensure that hospital building bylaws provide for mandatory fire safety provisions and without such provisions, no Licence should be given to anyone for setting up any hospitals. The state governments were asked to ensure that all hospitals and nursing homes equip their institutions with the required freighting gadgets, to avoid any untoward incident.

Union Government set up a National Council for Senior Citizens - CURRENT AFFAIRS III

The Union Government of India on 1 February 2012 gave the approval for setting up a National Council for Senior Citizens. It will be headed by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. It will advice the Central and State Governments on issues related to welfare of senior citizens. The Council will suggest special policies and programmes for the physical and financial security of the senior citizens in the country.

 The Council will comprise of 20 members including the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment along with the oldest members from both the Houses of Parliament and distinguished personalities from different fields.