New senior citizens’ welfare department takes shape in Keralam

The newly established Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare, a significant element of the first budget of the UDF government, is currently moving towards full operational capacity. Key personnel from the Departments of General Administration, Personnel, and Administrative Reforms have been reassigned to the new department. The state budget has allocated ₹10 crore for the department's operations and the implementation of senior citizen welfare schemes.

Proposed initiatives cover areas such as protection, care, healthcare, social security, and productive ageing. The department aims to move beyond mere welfare assistance to the elderly, seeking to create an all-encompassing program to meet their needs. The department will manage laws and rules concerning senior citizens, implement the state's senior citizen policy and various welfare schemes, and oversee the Kerala State Commission for Senior Citizens and elderly care homes.

The government is also developing a State-level directorate for senior citizens' welfare, district-level offices, and a State Governing Council to coordinate welfare measures for the elderly. A 24-hour helpline for emergencies will be managed by a Rapid Response Team, with a Field Response Officer overseeing the team. The department plans to establish a State Technical Advisory Committee and Senior Citizen Facilitation Desks in all local self-government bodies.

Efforts are also underway to foster better interaction between senior citizens and younger generations. A dedicated senior citizen services portal is being developed, which will create an Elder Vulnerability Register, Kerala Care Workforce Register, Service Connect Directory, and Productive Ageing Register. District Senior Citizen Cells are being set up in all 14 district collectorates, and processes are being put in place for certifying senior citizen-friendly government offices.

The department is also working on a Dementia-Friendly Keralam initiative and senior citizen-friendly health protocols, along with neighborhood support networks for elderly persons, supported by Kudumbashree.