Stories
Keralam Cabinet Clears Landmark Bill to Guarantee Senior Citizen Care
- •The Keralam Cabinet approved a groundbreaking bill providing a legal guarantee for the care and protection of senior citizens, aiming to pass it during the upcoming Assembly session.
- •Chief Minister V D Satheesan described the legislation as a world-first initiative, noting that Keralam is the first state in India to establish a dedicated Department of Senior Citizens.
- •The proposed law will ensure seniors are not left isolated, featuring regular check-ins for medication, hygiene, meals, and specialized care for those with dementia or cancer.
- •Ward-level collectives modeled after the Kudumbashree network and volunteers will be deployed to monitor elderly residents and maintain an updated comprehensive database.
- •The initiative integrates state efforts, local bodies, volunteer groups, and CSR funds while also introducing caregiving courses to build a supportive silver economy.
Key Questions Answered
The Keralam Cabinet cleared a bill to provide a legal guarantee for the care, protection, and welfare of senior citizens amid changing demographic patterns in the state. Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the legislation aims to ensure elderly individuals receive necessary support, monitoring, and protection against neglect.
The government aims to have the bill passed during the upcoming Assembly session, which begins on October 12. Chief Minister V D Satheesan expressed hope that the legislation would be successfully enacted within the month of October.
The state plans to collect comprehensive data on senior citizens to identify those who are isolated, bedridden, or suffering from dementia and cancer. Ward-level collectives, strengthened palliative care systems, and appointed volunteers will help maintain personal hygiene, ensure medication adherence, and monitor daily meals.