Kerala Establishes First Senior Citizens Commission in India

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-27 08:54:24 |

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Kerala has become the first state in India to establish a Senior Citizens Commission. The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill in early 2025, aiming to enhance the welfare and rights of the elderly population in the state.

The need for a dedicated commission arose due to Kerala’s increasing elderly population. According to the United Nations Population Fund, by 2036, 22.8% of Kerala’s population will be aged 60 and above, compared to 16.5% recorded in 2021. The commission builds on welfare measures initiated by previous governments to support senior citizens.

The primary objectives of the commission include protecting the rights of senior citizens, ensuring their welfare, and facilitating their rehabilitation. It seeks to address issues such as neglect, exploitation, and loneliness among the elderly while also providing legal assistance when required.

The Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission will comprise a chairperson and up to three members, including at least one woman and one representative from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. An Additional Secretary will serve as the secretary, with a Joint Secretary from the law department acting as the registrar. Members will serve a fixed tenure of three years.

The commission will coordinate with various government departments to implement welfare programs for senior citizens. It will advise the government on policies, ensure the protection of abandoned or orphaned elderly individuals by bringing them to care centres, and conduct inquiries into rights violations, reporting its findings to the relevant authorities.

Currently, the Kerala government provides a monthly pension of ₹1,600 under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme for individuals aged 60 and above with an annual income of ₹1,00,000 or less. The establishment of the commission is expected to further strengthen these welfare measures.

The creation of this commission could serve as a model for other Indian states, reflecting Kerala’s commitment to addressing the needs of its senior citizens. As the elderly population continues to grow, such initiatives will be crucial in ensuring their well-being and integration into society.

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