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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30th March 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Kerala is constituting India’s first commission for the elderly

Kerala is constituting India’s first commission for the elderly

Why in News?

  • In March 2025, Kerala became the first Indian state to pass a bill establishing a State Commission for Senior Citizens.
  • The move is driven by the fast-paced ageing of Kerala’s population and rising instances of neglect, poverty, and abuse among the elderly.
Kerala is constituting India’s first commission for the elderly

Demographic Context

  • Kerala is ageing faster than the national average:
    • 1961: 5.1% of population above 60 years (India: 5.6%)
    • 2001: 10.5% (India: 7.5%)
    • 2011: 12.6% (India: 8.6%)
    • 2015: 13.1% (India: 8.3%)
  • As of 2025:
    • 4.8 million elderly (60+) in Kerala
    • 15% of them are 80+, the fastest-growing elderly group
    • Women outnumber men; most are widows
    • Projected to reach 8.4 million elderly by 2036
Kerala Demography

Why the Commission Was Needed

  • Increasing elder abuse, especially financial and emotional neglect by younger generations
  • Lack of awareness about legal rights and welfare schemes, especially the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
  • Kerala’s need to institutionalise elderly protection, as envisioned in the National Policy on Senior Citizens (2011)
  • Desire to build a model for elderly care for other states

Structure and Composition

  • Chairperson + 3 Members, all of whom will be senior citizens
  • Inclusivity clause:
    • At least one member from SC/ST
    • At least one woman member
  • Chairperson’s status: Equivalent to a state government secretary
  • Tenure: 3 years
  • Subject experts can be invited but won’t have voting rights

Mandate and Functions

Legal and Protective Powers

  • Powers equivalent to a civil court
  • Can investigate grievances, issue protective measures
  • Submit reports to the government for conflict resolution
  • Can also address elderly-related complaints in prisons, lock-ups and custodial facilities

 

Health and Mental Well-being

  • Conduct regular medical check-ups
  • Ensure access to affordable and geriatric care
  • Provide mental health support to address loneliness and depression

 

Social Inclusion & Purpose

  • Encourage intergenerational bonding through community programs
  • Promote active ageing by harnessing elderly skills for community benefit

 

Financial Security

  • Facilitate access to:
    • Pensions
    • Social security schemes
    • Financial literacy support

 

Rehabilitation and Legal Aid

  • Support destitute elderly
  • Provide legal aid where required
  • Recommend policy changes for elder care infrastructure

 

Budget and Funding

  • Annual cost: ₹1 crore for operations and salaries
  • One-time setup cost: ₹9 lakh
  • Funded through the Consolidated Fund of the State of Kerala

Broader Implications

  • Social Justice & Inclusivity
    • Reflects commitment to vulnerable sections as per Article 41 (Right to public assistance in old age)
    • Aims to shift from a welfare-based to a rights-based approach to elderly care
  • Governance Innovation
    • First state to implement a dedicated statutory commission as advised by National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011
    • Could become a blueprint for other Indian states facing demographic transition
  • Demographic Dividend to Demographic Challenge
    • While India still benefits from a young population, states like Kerala already face the socioeconomic consequences of ageing
    • Highlights need for elderly-inclusive urban planning, healthcare and pensions

Conclusion

Kerala’s establishment of India’s first Commission for the Elderly is a landmark step in institutionalising dignity, security, and welfare for senior citizens. As India moves toward becoming an ageing society, ensuring elder rights and active participation in society is not only a welfare imperative but a constitutional and moral responsibility. Kerala’s model could serve as a template for inclusive elder care governance across India.

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