Draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 (Download PDF)

In the year 2009 on October 1st, International Day of Older Persons, HelpAge India took upon itself to take stock of the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) formulated in 1999. It had been 10 years, but much was left to be done. Implementation had been adhoc and it was time to act now. HelpAge invited Mr. Mukul Wasnik, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (Govt. of India) as the chief guest at the function and therein the wheels were set in motion.

Recognizing the need and the urgency for the implementation of the Policy, the Minister took the first major step in this direction by setting up the ‘Review Committee of the National Policy on Older Persons’ spearheaded by Chairperson Dr. (Mrs.) Mohini Giri, well known Activist & Social worker, former Cahirperson of Naional Commission for Women and currently Chairperson of Guild of Services and members Mr. M. M. Sabharwal, President Emeritus, HelpAge India, Mr. K.R.Gangadharan of Heritage Foundation and Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan of Dignity Foundation.

POLICY OBJECTIVES
The foundation of the new policy, known as the “National Policy for Senior Citizens 2011” is based on several factors. These include the demographic explosion among the elderly, the changing economy and social milieu, advancement in medical research, science and technology and high levels of destitution among the elderly rural poor (51 million elderly live below the poverty line). A higher proportion of elderly women than men experience loneliness and are dependent on children. Social deprivations and exclusion, privatization of health services and changing pattern of morbidity affect the elderly. All those of 60 years and above are senior citizens. This policy addresses issues concerning senior citizens living in urban and rural areas, special needs of the ‘oldest old’ and older women.

The focus of the NEW POLICY:

1. Mainstream senior citizens, especially older women, and bring their concerns into the national development debate with priority to implement mechanisms already set by governments and supported by civil society and senior citizens’ associations. Support promotion and establishment of senior citizens’ associations, especially amongst women.

2. Promote the concept of ‘Ageing in Place’ or ageing in own home, housing, income security and homecare services, old age pension and access to healthcare insurance schemes and other programmes and services to facilitate and sustain dignity in old age. The thrust of the policy would be preventive rather than cure.

3. The policy will consider institutional care as the last resort. It recognizes that care of senior citizens has to remain vested in the family which would partner the community, government and the private sector.

4. Being a signatory to the Madrid Plan of Action and Barrier Free Framework it will work towards an inclusive, barrier-free and age-friendly society.

5. Recognize that senior citizens are a valuable resource for the country and create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protects their rights and enables their full participation in society. Towards achievement of this directive, the policy visualizes that the states will extend their support for senior citizens living below the poverty line in urban and rural areas and ensure their social security, healthcare, shelter and welfare. It will protect them from abuse and exploitation so that the quality of their lives improves.

6. Long term savings instruments and credit activities will be promoted to reach both rural and urban areas. It will be necessary for the contributors to feel assured that the payments at the end of the stipulated period are attractive enough to take care of the likely erosion in purchasing power.

7. Employment in income generating activities after superannuation will be encouraged.

8. Support and assist organizations that provide counseling, career guidance and training services.

9. States will be advised to implement the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and set up Tribunals so that elderly parents unable to maintain themselves are not abandoned and neglected.

10. States will set up homes with assisted living facilities for abandoned senior citizens in every district of the country and there will be adequate budgetary support.

For more details, click here: Draft of National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 (Download PDF)