The National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP) was formulated in 1999 in response to the
increasing number of persons 60 years and above.
Key Elements of NPOP
Financial Security
i. The old age pension scheme to eventually cover all older persons below poverty line
ii. Pension scheme to be broadened to include both public and private sectors
iii. Tax exemption for medical and nursing care, transportation and support services for the old or the son or daughter with whom they are staying
iv. Public distribution system to reach out to cover all persons above the age of 60 living below the poverty line
Health Care and Nutrition
i. Subsidy for the health care needs of the elderly poor and graded system of user charges for others
ii. Provision of primary health services and health insurance to address preventive, curative, restorative and rehabilitative needs of older persons and geriatric care at secondary and tertiary levels
iii. Tax relief, grants, land grant at concessional rates to NGOs and private hospitals to provide economical and specialised care for older persons
iv. Setting up geriatric wards and conducting training and orientation programmes for geriatric care
v. Expansion of mental health services and counselling facilities for the elderly having mental health problems
Shelter
i. Earmarking 10 per cent of the houses in private and Government housing schemes and easy access to
loans.
ii. Layout of housing colonies to be made sensitive to the needs of the older persons.
iii. Quick disposal of cases relating to property transfer, mutation of property, property tax, etc.
Education
The concept of wellness in old age and related health education and information needs of the elderly should receive priority so that they are well-informed about safety, security as well as the evolving changes in lifestyle and living.
Welfare
Welfare is intended primarily for the extremely vulnerable elderly who are disabled, infirm, chronically
sick and without any familial support.
i. Identify the more vulnerable among the older persons such as the poor, the infirm and those without
family support. Institutional care to be the last resort only.
ii. Provide assistance to voluntary organisations by way of grants-in-aid for construction/maintenance of
old age homes, daycare centres, multi-service citizens centres, outreach services, supply of disabilityrelated
aids and appliances, etc.
iii. Set up of welfare funds for older persons with support from the corporate sector, trusts, charities,
individual donors and others for protection of life and property, involvement of NGOs and supporting
senior citizens to realize their potential.
Research and Training
i. Encourage research and documentation on ageing.
ii. Encourage medical colleges, training institutions for nurses and paramedical institutes to introduce
courses on geriatric care.
iii. NGOs associated with such activities to get support for training and orientation of their personnel for
the provision of specialized services.
Sensitizing the Media
What is the implementation mechanism of National Policy for Older Persons?
Ans. The Government has constituted the
NCOP on 10th May 1999 under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. The
NCOP is the highest body to advice and coordinate with the Government in the formulation and implementation of policy and programmes for the welfare of the aged. The NCOP has been reconstituted in 2005. The present strength of NCOP is 50.
Besides, the Ministry has also set up
an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) headed by Secretary (SJ&E) with the
aim of effective implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons and for taking actions on the recommendations of NCOP. The Ministry periodically reviews progress on the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons through meetings of NCOP and IMC.
Key issues in implementation as experienced during the last 10 years of the NPOP.
These are the need for:
(1) coordination among multi-sectoral partners with clearer accountability and measurable and time bound results;
(2) financial outlays by different stakeholders within their respective mandates, but harmonised to produce policy outcomes;
(3) a stronger role for the National Council for Older Persons with greater political and administrative power necessary to bring multiple stakeholders contribute to a common cause;
(4) enhanced income security, including social pensions for the poor vulnerable senior citizens;
(5) increased protection for older women who face socio-economic, cultural and legal barriers; and finally
(6) the need for sharpening the policy focus as it addresses multiple issues with limited resources.
Recommendations by Smt. (Dr.) Mohini Giri Committee in Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011
The focus of the new policy:
1. Mainstream senior citizens, especially older women, and bring their concerns into the national development debate with priority to implement mechanisms already set by governments and supported by civil society and senior citizens‟ associations. Support promotion and establishment of senior citizens‟
associations, especially amongst women.
2. Promote the concept of "Ageing in Place‟ or ageing in own home, housing, income security and homecare services, old age pension and access to healthcare insurance schemes and other programmes and services to facilitate and sustain dignity in old age. The thrust of the policy would be preventive rather than cure.
3. The policy will consider institutional care as the last resort. It recognises that care of senior citizens has to remain vested in the family which would partner the community, government and the private sector.
4. Being a signatory to the Madrid Plan of Action and Barrier Free Framework it will work towards an inclusive, barrier-free and age-friendly society.
5. Recognise that senior citizens are a valuable resource for the country and create an environment that provides them with equal opportunities, protects their rights and enables their full participation in society. Towards achievement of this directive, the policy visualises that the states will extend their support for senior citizens living below the poverty line in urban and rural areas and ensure their social security, healthcare, shelter and welfare. It will protect them from abuse and exploitation so that the quality of their lives improves.
6. Long term savings instruments and credit activities will be promoted to reach both rural and urban areas. It will be necessary for the contributors to feel National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011 assured that the payments at the end of the stipulated period are attractive enough to take care of the likely erosion in purchasing power.
7. Employment in income generating activities after superannuation will be encouraged.
8. Support and assist organisations that provide counselling, career guidance and training services.
9. States will be advised to implement the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and set up Tribunals so that elderly parents unable to maintain themselves are not abandoned and neglected.
10. States will set up homes with assisted living facilities for abandoned senior citizens in every district of the country and there will be adequate budgetary support.
Implementation Mechanism
There will be efforts to provide an identity for senior citizens across the country and the ADHAAR Unique identity number will be offered to them so that implementation of assistance schemes of Government of India and concessions can be offered to them. As part of the policy implementation the Government will strive for:
- Establishment of Department of Senior Citizens under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Establishment of Directorates of Senior Citizens in states and union territories
- National/State Commission for Senior Citizens
- Establishment of National Council for Senior Citizens
A National Council for Senior Citizens, headed by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment will be constituted by the Ministry. With tenure of five years, the Council will monitor the implementation of the policy and advise the government on concerns of senior citizens. A similar body would be established in every state with the concerned minister heading the State Council for Senior Citizens.
The Council would include representatives of relevant central ministries, the Planning Commission and ten states by rotation.
Representatives of senior citizens associations from every state and Union Territory.
Representatives of NGOs, academia, media and experts on ageing. The council would meet once in six months.
- Responsibility for Implementation
The Ministries of Home Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, Rural Development, Urban Development, Youth Affairs & Sports, Railways, Science & Technology, Statistics & Programme Implementation, Labour, Panchayati Raj and Departments of Elementary Education & Literacy, Secondary & Higher Education, Road Transport & Highways, Public Enterprises, Revenue, Women & Child Development, Information Technology and Personnel & Training will setup necessary mechanism for implementation of the policy. A five-year perspective Plan and annual plans setting targets and financial allocations will be prepared by each Ministry/ Department. The annual report of these Ministries/ Departments will indicate progress achieved during the year. This will enable monitoring by the designated authority.
- Role of Block Development Offices, Panchayat Raj Institutions and Tribal Councils/Gram Sabhas
Block Development offices would appoint nodal officers to serve as a one point contact for senior citizens to ease access to pensions and handle documentation and physical presence requirements, especially by the elderly women.
Panchayat Raj Institutions would be directed to implement the NPSC 2011 and address local issues and needs of the ageing population.
In rural/ tribal areas, the tribal council or gram sabha or the relevant Panchayat Raj institution would be responsible for implementation of the policy.
The provisions of the 13thFinance Commission for special funding to them would be made applicable.
