Govt to draft a New National Policy for Senior Citizens

Context

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is drafting a new national policy for senior residents, considering India’s changing demographics.

Key Highlights

• The policy was mentioned at the 4th meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens.
• Other key subjects protected are virtual inclusion, regarding NGOs in policy making, elder abuse complaint mechanisms, and setting requirements for old age houses.

Senior residents in India

• According to Census 2011, India has about 103 million elderly residents, accounting for 8.6 per cent of the population.
• The government defines humans elderly 60 and above as “aged”. 
• According to the government’s projections, they will account for about 12.16% of the country’s populace in 2026.
• Population projections estimate 20% of the country might be senior citizens by 2047.
• This improved durability is due to the supply of top healthcare services and accessibility to lifesaving tablets.

Various Schemes for Senior Citizens

• The Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) offers furnish-in-resource to NGOs for running senior citizen homes presenting free shelter, food, healthcare, and amusement.
• Elderline: The National Helpline on Toll free number 14567 specifically ‘Elderline’ was launched  in 2021 for complaint redressal of Senior Citizens and to generate awareness .
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): It is applied by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to guide economically weaker senior citizens (with a monthly income of ₹15,000 or less) who suffer from age-related disabilities or infirmities  and  gives free assistive devices.
• Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE): It helps innovative startups to increase services and products for the aged, while the Geriatric Caregiver Training Scheme aims to create a professional caregiving workforce.
• Legal support is provided under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which mandates upkeep by children/household and penalizes abandonment or harassment. 
• Health needs are addressed by Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, which gives free health insurance to all citizens aged 70+, and the National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE), which ensures geriatric services from the primary to tertiary stages. 

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• India’s getting older populace is growing unexpectedly, government initiatives play a crucial function in ensuring the welfare and dignity of senior citizens. 
• As the country moves forward, it’s imperative to maintain strengthening tasks to provide a strong and respectful life for the aged.
• India needs to adopt sensitive policies to cope with the economic, health, and social needs of the aged.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss. (2019)

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