National Policy for Senior Citizens (2011)

It overrides National Policy for Older Persons, 1999. The reason for new policy on elderly include - demographic explosion among the elderly, changing economy and social milieu, advancement in medical research, science and technology spur and high levels of destitution among the elderly poor.

Focus Area of the Policy

• Mainstreaming senior citizens, especially older women, and bringing their concerns into the national development debate with priority to implement mechanisms already set by governments.
• Promoting 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.
• It recognizes that care of senior citizens has to remain vested in the family which would partner the community, government and the private sector.
• Being a signatory to the Madrid Plan of Action and Barrier Free Framework it worked towards an inclusive, barrier-free and age-friendly society.
• Recognized 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.
• It also aimed at protecting them from abuse and exploitation so that the quality of their lives improves.
• Emphasis on long term savings instruments and credit activities was given to reach both rural and urban areas.
• Employment in income generating activities after superannuation was encouraged, etc.
• Schemes like Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pensions, and Vayoshrestha Samman are running on the above principles of the policy.