With rise in India's elderly population, experts suggest a review of financial policies

New Delhi: With the number of ageing Indians crossing 150 million, experts have suggested a review of government policies such as tax exemption on medical insurance and extending the age-limit for MUDRA loans to ensure “income security” for the elderly.

Measures like imposition of 18 per cent tax on private health insurance; security from financial frauds; pension support in the form of non-contributory schemes for all and a re-look at the age barrier for government social welfare schemes are some of the steps recommended by the experts.

These are some of the recommendations of a report by Sankala Foundation that gets support from NITI Ayog, National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Social Justice and Ministry of Health. The report was released here on Friday.

In 2011, India was home to 104 million senior citizens, as per the census, but the numbers have swelled to over 150 million by 2022. According to the UN, India will have 347 million ageing population by 2050 accounting for nearly 21 per cent of the population.

“Goods and services that specifically address the needs of senior citizens should be exempted from taxes. In this regard, the 18 per cent tax on private healthcare insurance acts as a deterrent for senior citizens,” the report says.

“This could be exempted for senior citizens so that healthcare insurance becomes affordable, and people have a safety net during illness.”

The report calls for creation of self-help groups for senior citizens to foster entrepreneurship and proposes a revision of the age limit for loans under the Ministry of Finance’s Micro Unit Development and Reliance Agency scheme to help secure finances for senior citizens.

Releasing the report Justice V Ramamsubramaian, NHRC chairperson said the need for dependence on the government for elderly care had arisen because families were disintegrating. “Traditionally, elders were taken care of by the families, and not by the rulers,” he said.

“Senior citizens are vulnerable to financial fraud, especially with the proliferation of digital tools in our daily lives. Targeted measures could be taken to help them with financial and digital literacy that ensures protection against financial fraud,” the report notes.

On the health needs, the report says special attention needs to be given on mental health disorders, such as depression, which significantly impairs a person’s later years of life

“While most attention is paid towards chronic conditions (like hypertension and diabetes) and physical disabilities, mental health concerns often take a backseat,” it says.

Amit Yadav, Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Welfare and Empowerment, said the ministry was working on a policy for the elderly citizens with a focus on ageing with dignity and healthy ageing.

“The Union Health Ministry is evaluating the National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly and the recommendations will help,” said Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.