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Last week, the Kerala state assembly unanimously passed a bill on establishing an elderly commission. It will be India’s first.
The southern state is ageing more rapidly than all of India, if state planning board data is anything to go by. In 1961, people over 60 in Kerala made up 5.1 per cent of the total population, just below the national average of 5.6 per cent. However, by the 1980s, the state overtook the rest.
By 2001, the share rose to 10.5 per cent, against the national average of 7.5 per cent. In 2011, it was 12.6 per cent compared to the national average of 8.6 per cent. In 2015, it increased to 13.1 per cent compared to the national average of 8.3 per cent, according to Kerala’s planning board.
Now, the southern state has some 4.8 million people aged 60 years and above. Moreover, 15 per cent of the elderly group is over 80 years old, making it the fastest-growing age group among older people. There are more women than men in the 60-plus category and a majority of them are widows.
As the size of the ageing population grows in the state, the rights of the elderly is repeatedly coming under attack. Many face poverty and maltreatment at the hands of the younger generations.
The Senior Citizens Commission is in response to this disbalance, according to government officials.
After the passing of the bill in the state assembly, Kerala will now establish the commission constituting a chairperson and three members, all of whom will be senior citizens.
The commission will significantly address the exploitation of older individuals from both affluent and low-income families, Kerala’s social justice minister, R Bindu, stated in an interview with Down to Earth.
“Caring for senior citizens is essential for maintaining their dignity, well-being and quality of life,” she said.
The commission’s main mission will be to protect the rights and welfare of senior citizens, she said. It will address various issues, including rehabilitation, social inclusion and harnessing older people's skills for society’s benefit, the minister added
According to the bill, the commission will promote inclusivity by ensuring that at least one member comes from the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and at least one member is a woman. This composition reflects the diverse needs of the elderly population.
The commission’s chairperson will hold a status equivalent to that of a government secretary. He will be responsible for managing the commission’s daily operations with the support of the other members.
The chairperson and members will serve a term of three years starting from their appointment date. Subject matter experts may be invited to participate as special invitees during the commission’s discussions; however, they will not have the right to vote.
According to the bill’s provisions, the commission will provide recommendations and guidelines for the welfare and protection of senior citizens. Its objectives include facilitating the rehabilitation of destitute veterans, extending legal aid as needed and proposing measures to incorporate the skills of senior citizens into community development.
Additionally, the commission will be responsible for submitting its findings and recommendations to the government for action or conflict resolution regarding issues affecting older individuals.
The commission’s crucial focus will be healthcare. It will conduct regular medical check-ups, ensure access to affordable healthcare and provide facilities for geriatric care to address age-related illnesses and enhance overall well-being.
Additionally, the commission will prioritise mental health support, recognising that loneliness and depression are common issues among older adults.
The commission will focus on the social inclusion of older people, as it significantly contributes to their happiness. Encouraging family members to spend quality time together, organising community programmes and promoting intergenerational bonding can help combat isolation.
The minister added that senior citizens possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, and creating opportunities for them to contribute to society will foster a sense of purpose and belonging.
According to Arun S Nair, the director of Kerala’s Social Justice Department, financial security is a vital aspect of elderly welfare. The commission can assist seniors in accessing timely pensions, social security schemes and financial advice, helping them manage their expenses and lead independent lives.
The state government believes this initiative could serve as a model for other states, especially since Kerala’s elderly population is projected to reach 8.4 million by 2036, presenting significant socioeconomic challenges.
Justifying the need for the commission, Bindu mentioned that the number of older adults in Kerala is rising, and many older adults are unaware of the central legislation, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. This Act makes it legally binding for children to care for their parents and empowers the government to ensure the welfare of senior citizens through nursing homes and medical care.
While the National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011 recommended creating similar commissions at national and state levels, Kerala is poised to become the first state to translate this vision into reality.
“The commission will operate as an independent body with significant authority, including powers akin to a civil court. It will have the ability to investigate grievances and enforce protective measures,” said Nair.
Additionally, the commission will address complaints from prisons, lock-ups and custodial facilities regarding detainees in India and submit reports to the relevant authorities, the expert added.
Once established, the commission is expected to spend Rs 1 crore for allowances, salaries and operational costs annually, along with a one-time setup cost of Rs 9 lakh from the Consolidated Fund of the State of Kerala.
With the help of the commission, the Kerala government “will be able to ensure the rehabilitation, security, and welfare of senior citizens more effectively”, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on Facebook.