New senior citizens’ welfare department takes shape in Keralam
The government of Kerala has established a new Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare to address the needs of its rapidly aging population. The department will manage healthcare, social security, and the 'silver economy' to support elderly residents.
Why it matters
As populations age globally, this initiative serves as a potential policy model for managing the social and economic challenges of a demographic shift toward older citizens.
The newly created Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare, one of the highlights of the first Budget of the UDF government, is in the process of becoming fully operational, with key posts being redeployed and proposals for a range of new welfare initiatives submitted to the government.
The General Administration department has issued orders redeploying posts, including those of Additional Secretary, Under Secretary, Section Officer, Assistants and Computer Assistants, from the General Administration and Personnel and Administrative Reforms departments to the new department.
The government had earmarked ₹10 crore in the State Budget for the functioning of the department and implementation of senior-citizen welfare schemes. Proposals submitted for senior citizens’ welfare include measures aimed at protection, care, healthcare, social security and productive ageing.
The creation of a dedicated department assumes significance against the backdrop of Keralam’s rapidly ageing population and the growing social, economic and healthcare challenges faced by senior citizens.
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