Senior Citizens: Welfare Policies and Challenges
TOPIC CLASSIFICATION
Subject: Social Issues / Social Justice Sub-area: Senior Citizens / Elderly Welfare Prelim PYQ Trend: Low (schemes, Maintenance Act) Mains Relevance: GS-1 (Society — ageing), GS-2 (Social Justice, Welfare Schemes)
EXAMINER REASONING
India's ageing population is a growing policy concern that UPSC is increasingly testing. The examiner focuses on: (a) demographic trends — 60+ population projected to double to 20% by 2050; (b) policies — National Policy on Older Persons (1999), Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007; (c) schemes — IGNOAPS (social pension), PM Vaya Vandana Yojana (pension scheme), Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (assistive devices), SACRED (employment portal); (d) challenges — financial insecurity, healthcare access, elder abuse, social isolation, retirement migration. Expect questions linking elderly welfare to changing family structure, social security, and healthcare.
Core Concept
Demographic Context:
- Current (2025): ~12% population aged 60+ (~165 million)
- Projected 2050: ~20% (~320 million) — India becomes 'ageing society'
- Elderly dependency ratio: currently ~14% (increasing)
- Female elderly outnumber male elderly (higher female life expectancy)
- States with highest elderly %: Kerala (~17%), Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh
Legal Framework:
| Law/Policy | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act | 2007 | Legal obligation on children/heirs to maintain parents; tribunals for speedy redress; penalty for abandonment |
| National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) | 1999 | Non-contributory pension, healthcare, housing, social security |
| National Council for Older Persons | 1999 |