Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection) Bill to focus on protection of rights, dignity of elderly
The Bill that will be tabled in the Assembly on October 13 also aims at promoting active ageing, regulation of senior citizen care centres, and capacity-building for family and caregivers
The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection) Bill 2026, set to be presented in the Assembly, aims to promote healthy aging, regulate senior citizen care centers, train family and caregivers, and safeguard the rights and dignity of the elderly. This bill emphasizes principles such as the right to dignity, aging in place, home-based care, safety, and a robust social care system.
It also seeks to integrate digital inclusion, legal aid, and reporting mechanisms for abuse. The elderly population in Keralam is growing, but modernization and globalization have led to larger nuclear families, affecting the elderly's living conditions. To address this, the bill proposes the establishment of a State Senior Citizen Protection Unit, District Senior Citizen Protection Forums, and District Senior Citizen Protection Units.
These entities will monitor policies, manage care centers, mobilize local organizations, and take action on complaints. The bill also mandates registration for home-care service agencies, proposes a 'Keralam Geriatric Care Certification Framework' for caregivers, and establishes a State Register of Caregivers. Additional provisions include a Cyber Fraud Cell in all cyber police stations and a state reserve fund for the protection, care, welfare, and social security of senior citizens. Violations of the Act and its rules carry penalties.
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