The National Council For Older Persons To Meet Tomorrow
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There has been a steady rise in the population of older persons in India over the past few decades. The life expectancy, which was around 29 years in 1947, is now closer to 65 years. The same is expected to increase to 71 years by 2026. the number of older persons in the population is expected to increase by more than double from 71 million in 2001 to 173 million in 2026 – an increase in their share to the total population from 6.9 to 12.4 percent. Availability of advanced medical facilities, better quality of life and increased nutrition intake has contributed to this phenomenon of demographic ageing. The trend clearly reveals that ageing has become a major social challenge and there is a need to give more attention to the care and protection for the older persons. Keeping in view of the importance of this demographic ageing, the Government announced the National Policy on Older Persons which, inter-alia visualizes support for financial security, health care and nutrition, shelter, emphasis upon education, training and information needs, provision of appropriate concessions and discounts etc. to senior citizens and special attention to protect and strengthen their legal rights such as to safeguard their life and property. It recognizes persons as 60+ as senior citizens. The Government constituted a National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) under the Chairmanship of Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment to advise and aid the Government on policies and programmes for older persons and also to provide feedback to the Government on the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons as well as on specific programme initiatives for older persons. The NCOP is the highest body to advice and coordinate with the Government in the formulation and implementation of policy and programmes for the welfare of the aged. The NCOP has been reconstituted in 2005 on completion of the term of the earlier Council. At present, there are 44 members in the Council, consisting of representatives of Central Ministries, State Governments, NGOs and experts in the field of ageing. More : pib.nic.in |