**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2603, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment addressed the changing needs of elderly people. The government has constituted a committee named "Strengthening the Care Economy in India," headed by a Member of NITI Aayog. The committee comprises representatives from stakeholder Ministries, States/UTs, academic institutions, senior care organizations, and industry. Its mandate is to recommend a strategic framework for the holistic care and welfare of senior citizens. The committee has held discussions with Central Ministries and the State Governments of Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Furthermore, a workshop was conducted with the participation of 26 states. These discussions aimed to understand the challenges, initiatives, and schemes being implemented at the State level. The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, provided the answer to the question. The question was raised by Dr. Kalyan Vaijnathrao Kale and was to be answered on August 5, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for social justice and empowerment, the primary ministry responsible for the policy being discussed.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Indian Parliament, where the question regarding elderly care is being addressed.
Dr. Kalyan Vaijtnathrao Kale: The Member of Parliament who raised the question about the care of elderly people in the Lok Sabha.
NITI Aayog: National Institution for Transforming India, Aayog is the premier policy 'Think Tank' of the Government of India.
Committee on 'Shengthening the Care Economy in India': A committee constituted to recommend a strategic framework for holistic care and welfare of senior citizens in India.
Himachal Pradesh: One of the State Governments consulted by the Committee on 'Shengthening the Care Economy in India'.
Kerala: One of the State Governments consulted by the Committee on 'Shengthening the Care Economy in India'.
Tamil Nadu: One of the State Governments consulted by the Committee on 'Shengthening the Care Economy in India'.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA
ITNSTARRED QUESTTON NO.2603
TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2025
CHANGING NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
12603. DR. KALYAN VAIJTNATHRAO KALE:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has set up a committee to study the best global practices for the care
of the elderly persons, so that all basic facilities can be provided to senior citizens;
(b) if so, the details of its officials thereof; and
(c) whether any departmental meetings of the same has been held so far and if so, the details
thereof State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(sHRr B.L.VERrvrA)
(a) to (c): A Committee on'Shengthening the Care Economy in India'headed by Member, NITI
Aayog, comprising representatives from the stakeholder Ministries, States/tjTs, academic
institutions, senior care organizations and industry has been constifuted to recommend a strategic
framework for holistic care and welfare of the senior citizens.
Discussions have been held by the committee with Central Ministries and the State Governments
of Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra and Punjab.
A workshop was also held in which 26 states had participated. The purpose of these discussions
has been to understand the challenges, initiatives, and schemes being implemented at the State
level.
tN.!F***