Mint Explainer: Why Niti Aayog wants a national caregiving policy
India not only has a shortage of caregivers, but also lacks a system to ensure they are properly trained, recognised and available to those who need them.
The National Institution for Transforming India, commonly known as NITI Aayog, is advocating for a comprehensive national caregiving policy in India. This push comes as the country grapples with the challenges posed by changing social dynamics. Traditionally, caregiving has been perceived as a family responsibility in India. However, several factors have started to strain this social system.
These include the prevalence of nuclear families, migration among young people, and the increasing participation of women in the workforce. The NITI Aayog recognizes these evolving circumstances and aims to address them through a dedicated policy framework. The institution, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is tasked with formulating integrated economic strategies for India's development.
By proposing a national caregiving policy, NITI Aayog seeks to formalize and support the informal caregiving system, ensuring that those who care for the elderly, disabled, and sick receive the recognition, resources, and support they need.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
