The SCS, which first began its peaceful struggle three years ago, had called of protests in May after the government through the budget announced that senior citizens would get Rs 2,000 as monthly social security allowance. As part of their struggle, the senior citizens used to stage sit-ins on a daily basis. 

As per the new provision, senior citizens 60 years or above are entitled to receive Rs 2,000 as monthly social security allowance. 

“The government acknowledged our demands by increasing the allowance. Many of our members were too old to participate in the protest, hence we decided to call of the sit-ins two months ago,” said Maha Prasad Parajuli, president of the SCS. “But our demand that the government provide Rs 5,000 a month to senior citizens continues. Increasing the amount by Rs 3,000 will not mean any extra burden on the state coffers.”

“Senior citizens need special care and the government must pay attention to their needs,” said Bharat Mohan Adhikari, a former finance minister who first introduced the “old age allowance” during the late Man Mohan Adhikari’s tenure as prime minister in 1994-95.