Keralam elderly welfare: Govt sets up CM-led council to coordinate, monitor activities

The government of Keralam has established a council led by the Chief Minister to oversee and coordinate efforts related to elderly welfare. This 14-member governing council aims to address various aspects of senior citizen care, including safety, healthcare, social participation, mental health, and financial security. The council will work closely with numerous government departments, local bodies, agencies, and voluntary organizations to implement and monitor schemes aimed at improving the well-being of the elderly population.

The council will be led by Secretary of the Department for the Welfare of the Elderly, with representation from other key departments such as Social Justice, Health and Family Welfare, Finance, Revenue, Local Self-government, Women and Child Development, Home, and Labour. The Kerala State Elderly Commission and the Director of the Department for the Welfare of the Elderly will also be part of the council, allowing for expert input in the field of elderly welfare.

The primary goal of the council is to ensure that the state's policies and schemes related to elderly care are synchronized and working together effectively. It will take policy-level actions in areas such as creating an elderly-friendly society, promoting health care, enhancing social security, fostering inter-generational relationships, and encouraging productive and active ageing.

Additionally, the council will ensure that there is cooperation between various departments, formulate an integrated action plan, monitor its implementation, and review and analyze the performance of schemes and programs, providing necessary recommendations as needed.

The Department for the Welfare of the Elderly will serve as the nodal department for the council, which is expected to convene at least twice a year. Currently, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan oversees the welfare of the elderly portfolio.