‘Elderly in India 2021’ Report

In News: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has published the ‘Elderly in India 2021’ Report that provides insights about the status of elderly persons in the country.

Key Findings of the Report

• The percentage share of the elderly population in the total population is said to rise from 8.6% in 2011 to 10.1% in 2021 and projected to touch 13.1% in 2031.
• Kerala has the highest share of elderly in population at 16.5% and Bihar has the lowest at 7.7%.
• Increase in old age dependency ratio which rose from 10.9% in 1961 to 14.2% in 2011, is projected to increase from 15.7% and 20.1% in 2021 and 2031 respectively.
• Literacy levels among elderly males and females have improved over time in both rural and urban areas. However, the report noted a huge gender gap with over 59% elderly male literates as against only 29% elderly female.
• The major problems of the aged people, as found by the report include economic, physiological and crime.

Schemes and Programmes of Government of India for the Welfare of Elderly Persons

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment develops and implements programmes and policies for senior citizens.

• National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999: envisaged state support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and other needs of older persons, equitable share in development, protection against abuse and exploitation, and availability of services to improve the quality of their lives.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: to ensure need based maintenance for parents and senior citizens.
• National Awards for Senior Citizens-Vayoshreshtha Samman: to recognize the efforts made by eminent senior citizens and Institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices for Senior Citizens.
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Senior citizens above 60 years of age are entitled to a monthly pension without having to contribute any sum in order to get the pension.
• National Action Plan for the Welfare of Senior Citizens (NAPSrC), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PNVVY) are other such schemes.

Source:

• Elderly in India 2021

Image Source:

• Elderly in India 2021