From universal pension to a robust caregiving system - seniors hope for an 'elder inclusive budget'

NEW DELHI: As the Central government prepares to present the interim budget today, experts working with the elderly draw attention to the urgent need for universalisation of old age pension and recommend that the government must take the lead in defining a 'basic minimum social pension floor' across the country.
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“Anupama Datta, head policy, research and advocacy, HelpAge India highlights that health continues to be an important concern for older persons in India."Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and 'National Programme for Health Care of Elderly' (NPHCE) are commendable steps in the right direction; but more needs to be done on the path to 'Viksit Bharat'. The Government may consider including all older persons except the income tax payers in the ambit of PMJAY especially women and disabled. More allocation to NPHCE to expand coverage and services for OPD treatments would ease the pressure on the older persons and their families apart from the health benefits particularly the women," Datta added.

"A path breaking step would be paving the way for a caregivers allowance to women particularly the older women who are home managers and even in old age share the care burden. Demographers tell us that women tend to outlive men and this allowance will decrease their dependence on family and ensure dignity, independence and self-fulfilment,” Datta emphasised.
HelpAge India draws attention to the need for increasing the Central government’s contribution to National Social Assistance Program (NSAP), which currently ranges from Rs. 200-500 and has not been revised for over the last 14 years. The experts at the voluntary organisation recommend an increase to Rs. 1000 per month, per beneficiary, for 60 plus elderly and Rs.1500 per month, per beneficiary, for the 80 plus.
They also recommend an increase in tax exemption limits to benefit the older persons, so that they are able to support themselves financially and raise the income tax exemption level to Rs 10 lakh (currently Rs 3 lakh for 60 plus and Rs 5 lakh for 80 plus elderly).
The voluntary organisation also calls for making room for the concept of "Value Care Giving by Children" wherein exemption limit for general tax payers taking care of their elderly parents/in-laws, should go up by Rs.1 lakh. For those taking care of parents above the age of 80 years, the exemption limit should go up by Rs 3 lakh.
"Along with healthcare, building the long-term care system (caregiving by family, by community systems and state supported facilities) for older persons needs urgent attention. women in particular contribute disproportionately to caregiving. There should be a new provision for care allowance for the women who take care of elderly parents and older women who care for the family. Women from low-income families may be selected for this scheme," HelpAge recommends.