Senior citizens’ forum submits plea to finance panel

The State committee of the Senior Citizens’ Friends Welfare Association has submitted a petition to the 16th Finance Commission urging it to take into account the demographic profile of the State, ever increasing social welfare expenses, and adult health-care expenses while arriving at a formula for devolution of funds.

The petition said the absolute number of the elderly and their percentage in the total population of the State was on the rise. The dependency ratio was high as was the number of senior citizens living alone. Payment of national old age pension (₹1,600 a month) to the elderly and taking medical facilities to their doorstep were putting heavy pressure on the finances of the State.

The contribution of the Union government towards national old-age pension was only ₹200 a month. The State has to bear nearly 85% of the cost.

Individual premium for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) that had been fixed at ₹1,052 by the Union government was not sufficient to meet the claims of the elderly in Kerala.

Against the backdrop, the recommendations of the commission on devolution of funds could play a great role in ensuring the welfare of senior citizens, the petition from the association that has been working for the welfare of the elderly since 2006 said.

The association also called for 5% of the GDP to be earmarked for the welfare of the elderly.

Published - December 11, 2024 08:01 pm IST