We have become a capital market driven society when the whole focus does not fall on individuals, specially the seniors. One newspaper even went as far as to say that seniors have been taken care of, when so many of our concerns and expectations have met with no attention, argues Ms Doraiswami, echoing the concerns of all seniors who had looked up to this budget for major reliefs to maintain a dignified lifestyle..

It's a cruel joke that instead of writing off the paltry 3.32% forgone revenue (2006-07) in the form of exemptions in personal tax, the seniors, who form only a miniscule portion of this group, are made to cringe at an uncertain future when these tax exemptions are slated to go. What of our need to pay tax in one go near the end of the financial year? What of a substantial basic exemption limit for seniors only, as given in even SAARC countries?", queries Ms Doraiswami.

"Most Seniors who draw a pension have the same fixed income over the years. Even the investments generate almost the same returns for years together. In addition to this, there are hassles like TDS, which they have to avoid, wherever possible. In short, their income hasn't kept pace with the rate of inflation/ rise in commodity prices/ cost of living/ increased medical needs with ageing/declining purchasing power of the Rupee", notes K R K Moorthy, Rtd. General Marketing Manager, Glaxo, Mumbai.

"The same FM recently allowed himself and his MPs to double the allowances they were entitled to until last month under the pretext that the cost of living has increased. As against this, what do we get even after paying lakhs of rupees in taxes when we worked? We must get at least a certain percentage of the taxes paid by us as our subsistance allowance after we retire", emphasises Govind Jhaver, Mumbai.

"It is learnt that in countries like the US , medical shops invariably give suo moto discounts for drugs and medicines purchased by senior citizens. The business community of our country should also think of extending such benefit to senior citizens", suggests Anju D Aggarwal , Advocate, Amritsar .

"Retirees without pension, aged 60 and above are already facing steep rise in prices of all commodities, high health costs, apart from family commitments. If the Government classifies those 60 and above as Senior Citizens for the purpose of Income tax, lakhs of retirees aged 60 and above sustaining on interest income alone will get a higher exemption to lead a dignified life," says A Viswanathan from Chennai.