Assam Senior Citizens Group Urges Government to Restore Key Benefits for Elderly
The Assam Pradesh Varishtha Nagarik Sangha has made a formal appeal to the government on Wednesday, urging the restoration of crucial benefits for senior citizens across the state and nation. The organization highlighted the escalating hardships faced by the elderly population and presented a comprehensive list of demands aimed at improving their quality of life.
Key Demands for Senior Citizen Welfare
The association has outlined several critical areas requiring immediate governmental attention. Their primary demands include:
- Reinstatement of railway ticket concessions that were suspended in March 2020 during the pandemic period
- Extension of comprehensive health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) to encompass all senior citizens
- Resolution of pension-related issues affecting retirees under the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS-95)
- Issuance of dedicated photo identity cards to facilitate easier access to various welfare measures and services
Growing Senior Citizen Population and Challenges
Organization secretary Dipankar Das provided significant demographic context, stating, "It is a well known fact that the population of senior citizens in India is increasing rapidly. According to recent survey data, the senior citizen population reached approximately 14.90 crore by the end of December 2024."
Das further elaborated on the demographic breakdown, noting that 52% of this population comprises females, compared to 48% males. Additionally, he highlighted that rural areas contain a larger proportion of senior citizens than urban regions, presenting unique challenges for service delivery and support systems.
Multifaceted Challenges Faced by Elderly Population
The organization emphasized that senior citizens in India confront numerous interconnected problems spanning various aspects of life. These challenges include:
- Family-related issues and changing social dynamics
- Societal attitudes toward aging and the elderly
- Economic difficulties and financial insecurity
- Health concerns and access to medical care
- Social isolation and loneliness
Das revealed particularly concerning mental health statistics, adding, "As per reports from one agency, approximately 70% of the total senior citizen population is suffering from mental strain and psychological distress."
National Conference Resolutions and Legal Framework
The Assam organization clarified that their demands align with resolutions adopted during their national conference held in Jaipur in March 2025. This gathering brought together representatives from across the country to discuss pressing issues affecting senior citizens and formulate collective strategies for advocacy.
The association also referenced the Supreme Court's directive to the Union government regarding the establishment of fully equipped old age homes at the district level. However, they maintained a nuanced position, advocating that family-based care should remain the primary support system for elderly individuals, with institutional care serving only as a last resort when family support is unavailable or insufficient.
The organization's comprehensive approach recognizes both the need for governmental support systems and the importance of preserving traditional family structures in caring for aging populations.
