In News:

In a landmark move, Kerala has become the first state in India to pass legislation creating a Senior Citizens Commission, with the passing of the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill, 2025.

Background: Rising Elderly Population in Kerala

• Kerala is witnessing rapid population ageing, outpacing national trends.
• Elderly (60+) as % of total population:
  • 1961: 5.1% (Kerala) vs. 5.6% (India)
  • 2001: 10.5% (Kerala) vs. 7.5% (India)
  • 2015: 13.1% (Kerala) vs. 8.3% (India)
• Current elderly population: Approximately 4.8 million, expected to rise to 8.4 million by 2036.
• Key issues: neglect, abuse, financial insecurity, and loneliness.

Senior Citizens Commission: Key Highlights

• Statutory body under the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025.
• Objective: Protection, welfare, rehabilitation, and empowerment of senior citizens.
• Will act as an independent authority with powers similar to a civil court.

Structure:

• Chairperson (status of Govt. Secretary) and three members (all senior citizens).
• Composition includes at least one woman and one member from SC/ST communities.
• Term: 3 years.
• Experts may be invited as special invitees (no voting rights).

Core Functions and Responsibilities:

• Policy Advisory:
  • Recommends policies for elderly welfare.
  • Aligns with national goals, such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
• Legal and Grievance Redressal:
  • Investigates complaints of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • Can summon individuals, record evidence, and recommend protective actions.
• Healthcare and Mental Well-being:
  • Promotes geriatric care, regular health check-ups, and mental health support.
  • Addresses loneliness, depression, and social isolation.
• Social Inclusion and Engagement:
  • Encourages intergenerational bonding and community programs.
  • Utilizes skills and experience of the elderly for social and community development.
• Financial Security Support:Aids in accessing pensions, social security schemes, and financial counselling.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Submits periodic reports to the state government.
  • Makes recommendations for policy improvement and conflict resolution.
• Custodial Oversight:Addresses issues related to elderly detainees in prisons and lock-ups.

Budget and Administrative Details:

• Annual expenditure: Approx. ?1 crore (salaries, allowances, operations).
• One-time setup cost: ?9 lakh from the Consolidated Fund of the State of Kerala.

Significance:

• First such commission in India, fulfilling recommendations under the National Policy on Senior Citizens, 2011.
• Aims to serve as a model for other Indian states facing similar demographic shifts.
• Reinforces Kerala’s leadership in elderly welfare policies.