In a significant move aimed at bolstering social security for the elderly, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has formally called upon the state government to consider a major expansion of its flagship Vayomitram scheme. The commission has recommended extending the health and social security initiative to all grama panchayats across the state.
Key Recommendations for Wider Coverage
The SHRC, chaired by Justice Alexander Thomas, has put forward two pivotal suggestions. Firstly, it has urged the government to contemplate lowering the beneficiary age from 65 to 60 years, potentially bringing a larger population of seniors under the scheme's protective umbrella. Secondly, and more crucially, the commission has directed the secretary of the local self-government department to look into expanding the geographical reach of Vayomitram to encompass every grama panchayat.
Currently, the Vayomitram scheme is functional in a limited number of areas. It is operational in 91 municipal areas and only four block panchayats. The recommendation seeks to democratize access to these services, ensuring elderly citizens in rural and semi-urban local bodies are not left out.
Financial Constraints and Pragmatic Solutions
The push for expansion comes with acknowledged financial challenges. According to a report presented to the SHRC, the annual operational cost for a single unit of the Vayomitram scheme is approximately Rs 30 lakh. The report candidly stated that the current budget allocation for the initiative is insufficient to fund a statewide rollout.
A microcosm of this challenge is visible in Thiruvananthapuram. Within the city municipality, Vayomitram services are available in 48 wards. The city corporation supplements the budget with an additional Rs 50 lakh. While there are two operational units currently, authorities have indicated that establishing two more units would allow coverage to extend to all wards. However, the government's financial constraints have prevented the commencement of these new units.
A Proposed Model for Thiruvananthapuram
The report suggests a practical, if scaled-back, solution to achieve wider coverage within existing means. It proposes that if the frequency of the Vayomitram camp, which is currently held every 15 days, is changed to a monthly schedule, the existing resources could be stretched to cover all wards in the Thiruvananthapuram municipality. This model could potentially serve as a template for other regions facing similar budgetary limitations.
The SHRC's intervention was triggered by a complaint filed by M Vijayakumaran, a member of the State Senior Citizens Council, highlighting the need for improved access to the scheme. The commission's recommendations now place the ball in the government's court to find a fiscally responsible path to enhance social security for Kerala's growing elderly population.
