Government to introduce senior citizen policy

• The draft policy is being discussed at a meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens, chaired by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar.

• The policy aims to reflect India’s demographic realities, with projections suggesting 20% of the country will be senior citizens by 2047.

• The 2011 Census showed senior citizens accounted for 8.23% of the population, but projections suggest they will make up about 12.16% by 2026.

• The government plans to use the forthcoming Census’ reference period for headcount in March 2027.

• The council also discussed digital inclusion, institutionalizing NGOs and senior citizen associations, addressing elder abuse and neglect, implementing minimum standards for “old age homes” and senior care institutions, and promoting community engagement.

• The council also reviewed progress under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, Senior Citizen Portal, on enhancing the quality and post-distribution follow-up of assisted living devices.