Kerala has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state in India to present a dedicated Elderly Budget. Finance Minister K N Balagopal introduced this separate document, which consolidates all financial allocations specifically targeted toward senior citizens. This pioneering initiative reflects the state's proactive approach to addressing the needs of its rapidly aging demographic.
Addressing a Growing Demographic Challenge
The introduction of the Elderly Budget comes at a crucial time, as the elderly population in Kerala now constitutes nearly 20% of the state's total population. This proportion is projected to increase to 25% within the next decade, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive planning and resource allocation for this demographic group.
Substantial Financial Commitment
The Elderly Budget represents a substantial portion of Kerala's overall financial planning. It accounts for 3.8% of the State Plan, while 21.72% of the total non-plan expenditure is specifically earmarked for elderly welfare programs. The total outlay under this dedicated budget stands at an impressive Rs 46,236.52 crore, which constitutes 19.07% of the state's overall budget.
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability
Experts working with older persons have welcomed this initiative, noting that a dedicated budget document will significantly improve transparency and monitoring of spending on aging-related programs. Biju Mathew, state coordinator of HelpAge India, emphasized that this separate budget could ensure continuity across different governments.
"It makes tracking government spending easier and creates an obligation for future governments to sustain these schemes," Mathew stated. He also noted that Kerala's innovative approaches to elderly care are being replicated in other states, citing examples such as Pakal Veedu (now renamed Sayamprabha), which has parallels in Tamil Nadu's Anbu Chole and Telangana's Pranam initiatives.
Comprehensive Allocation Across Sectors
The allocations for the elderly span multiple critical areas, including:
- Healthcare services and facilities
- Social security measures
- Adult education programs
- Livelihood opportunities
- Inclusive infrastructure development
Specific New Initiatives and Funding
The Elderly Budget includes several new allocations designed to enhance elderly care services:
- Rs 5 crore for pain and palliative care units for the elderly under Sayamprabha centers
- Rs 50 lakh for the Vayojana Commission, which has already begun functioning
- An additional Rs 27.5 crore for Vathilpadi Sevanam under the Vayomitram scheme
Addressing Gender Dimensions of Aging
The budget document acknowledges that women form the majority of the elderly population in Kerala. Consequently, the Elderly Budget works in coordination with the Gender Budget to address what experts term the "feminisation of ageing." This integrated approach ensures that the specific needs and challenges faced by elderly women receive appropriate attention and resources.
Innovative Housing Solutions
The concept of regulated retirement homes features prominently in the plan. A new project titled Retirement Homes aims to establish age-friendly residential facilities in all districts on a fee-paying basis, under government oversight. An initial allocation of Rs 30 crore has been made to develop model institutions and strengthen regulatory mechanisms for paid elderly care services.
This comprehensive approach to elderly welfare through a dedicated budget represents a significant step forward in India's social policy landscape. Kerala's initiative sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing the complex challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population.
