Elderly in India pay more than the benefits they receive

Elderly in India pay more than the benefits they receive

A new report released on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons on Monday reveals that older persons are the fastest growing demographic group around the world. It points to the enormous challenges such population ageing poses urging governments to take note.

One in nine persons across the globe is currently aged 60 years or more and this is projected to increase to one in five by 2050 according to the just released Ageing in the 21st cenury. The elderly make up for 8% of India's population currently, which is likely to increase to 19% by 2050.

It becomes pertinent then to examine policies and programmes available for senior citizens in countries like India and their implementation in actually ensuring their welfare.

India belongs to a league of 12 countries including China, Japan and Korea which have passed national laws and is among 21 nations which have a national policy on older persons. But geriatric experts point out that despite the policy being reworked in 2002 no significant budget allocations have been made to implement welfare measures in terms of healthcare provisions, special geriatric set ups or income security. Despite the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 being enacted in December 2007, many states have even five years on not set up tribunals meant to hear disputes.

The new report 'Ageing in the 21 ^stCentury', compiled by UNFPA and Helpage points to another important aspect- that of income security which tops the concerns pertaining to the elderly. "The global economic crisis has exacerbated the financial pressure to ensure both economic security and access to health care in old age. Investments in pension systems are seen as one of the most important ways to ensure economic independence and reduce poverty in old age," states the report which points out that old-age pension remains a concern in developing countries like India where a large part of employment lies in the informal sector. The report cites a n analysis of the National Transfer Accounts in India as showing that net public transfers to older persons are strongly negative and the taxes paid by the elderly population substantially exceed the benefits they receive. The government's current pension provision-- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme-which assures senior citizens below poverty a measly Rs 200 per month is paltry to say the least.

Citizens in their sunset years sure deserve better. A wake-up call, anyone?