National policy on older persons

Source – Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India

NATIONAL POLICY ON OLDER PERSONS MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WELFARE OF THE AGED : Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Under the ministry, special care is being taken for the welfare of the Aged.The Government of India announced a National Policy on Older Persons
in January, 1999. This policy provides a broad framework for inter
sectoral collaboration and cooperation both within the government as
well as between government and non-governmental agencies. In
particular, the policy has identified a number of areas of
intervention ; financial security, health care and nutrition,
shelter, education, welfare, protection of life and property etc. for
the wellbeing of older persons in the country. Amongst others the
policy also recognizes the role of the NGO sector in providing user
friendly affordable services to complement the endeavours of the
State in this direction.
While recognizing the need for promoting productive ageing, the
policy also emphasizes the importance of family in providing vital
non formal social security for older persons. To facilitate
implementation of the policy, the participation of Panchayati Raj
Institutions, State Governments and different Departments of the
Government of India is envisaged with coordinating responsibility
resting with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR OLDER PERSONS :
A National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) has been constituted by
the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to operationalise the
National Policy on Older Persons. The basic objectives of the NCOP
are to :
· advice the Government on policies and programmes for older
persons
· provide feedback to the Government on the implementation of
the National Policy on Older Persons as well as on specific programme
initiatives for older persons
· advocate the best interests of older persons
· provide a nodal point at the national level for redressing
the grievances of older persons which are of an individual nature
· provide lobby for concessions, rebates and discounts for
older persons both with the Government as well as with the corporate
sector
· represent the collective opinion of older persons to the
Government
· suggest steps to make old age productive and interesting
· suggest measures to enhance the quality of inter-generational
relationships.
· undertake any other work or activity in the best interest of
older persons.
There are 39 members in the council. A seven member working group has
also been constituted from amongst the members of NCOP. The Working
Group has so far held two meetings to discuss ways and means to
achieve its objectives.

OLD AGE AND INCOME SECURITY :

The Ministry has also launched a project called “Old Age Social and
Income Security (OASIS)”. An Expert Committee is constituted under
the project. The first report of the Committee and the existing
income security instruments available to older persons have been
comprehensively examined. The report also contains detailed
recommendations for enhancing the coverage, improving the rate of
returns and for bringing about a qualitative improvement in the
customer service of Public Provident Fund, the Employees Provident
Fund, the Annuity Plans of LIC, UTI etc. The recommendations of the
Committee are being examined by the Ministry of Finance for further
action. Meanwhile, Phase II of the project is looking at the pension
and gratuity schemes of the central government and old age pension
provided under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). At the
core of the second phase of project OASIS however, lies the designing
of a new, fully funded, contributory pension programme for the
balance (uncovered) workers including casual/contract workers, self-
employed, farmers etc.

REVISION OF THE SCHEMES OF THE MINISTRY :

In order to facilitate implementation of the National Policy, and to
bring about a qualitative improvement in the programme intervention
of the Ministry, both the on-going schemes were revised during 1998-
99.

(i) Scheme of Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions/Voluntary
Organizations/Self Help Groups for construction of old age
homes/multi service centres for older persons. The scheme has been
revised to enhance the one time construction grant for old age
homes/multi service centres from Rs. 5.00 lakhs to Rs. 30.00 lakhs to
eligible organizations.

(ii) An Integrated Programme for Older Persons has been formulated by
revising the earlier scheme of Assistance to Voluntary Organizations
for programmes relating to the welfare of the aged. With the aim to
empower & improve the quality of Older Persons, the programmes hopes
to :
a. Reinforce and strengthen the ability and commitment of the
family to provide care to Older Persons.
b. Foster amiable multi-generational relationships.
c. Generate greater awareness on issues pertaining to older
persons and enhanced measures to address these issues.
d. Popularise the concept of Life Long Preparation for Old Age
at the individual level as well as at the societal level.
e. Facilitate productive Ageing.
f. Promote Health Care, Housing and Income Security needs of
Older persons.
g. Provide care the destitute elderly.
h. Strengthen capabilities on issues pertaining to older persons
of local bodies/state governments, NGOs and academic/research and
other institutions.
Strategy : Developing awareness and providing support to build the
capacity of government, NGOs and the community at large to make
productive use of older persons and to provide care to older persons
in need; Sensitising children and youth towards older persons;
reinforcing the Indian family tradition of providing special care and
attention to older persons and organising older persons themselves
into coherent self help groups capable of articulating their rights
and interests.

Under this scheme financial assistance upto 90% of the project cost
is provided to NGOs for establishing and maintaining old age homes,
day care centres, mobile medicare units and for providing non
institutional services to older persons.
(Letter No. 20-32/99-NGO(SD) dated 22nd June, 1999, Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India)