Thrissur: Pro-CPM health activist and former vice-chancellor of Kerala University Dr B Ekbal termed the decision of the new UDF government to form a special department for the affairs of elderly citizens as a 'historic step'. In a social media post, Dr Ekbal pointed out that the share of people above the age of 60 was 12.5% in Kerala in 2011, whereas it is now between 16.5% and 18.7%, and estimates indicate that it is set to reach 30% by 2051.
Previous Government's Initiative
Recalling that the previous Left Front government had also formed an elderly commission through a special legislation (Kerala State Elderly Commission Act) in August last year, Dr Ekbal said, "It is an achievement that we can be very proud that Kerala is the first state in the country to have an elderly department and an elderly commission."
Focus on Elderly Women
Pointing out that women have a higher life expectancy than men, Dr Ekbal said the percentage of widows in the age group above 60 is 58.6% in Kerala, while the share of widowers in that age group is only 9.7% in the state. This means that attention must be paid to the special socio-health problems of elderly women.
Existing Schemes and Need for Audit
He recalled that various departments are currently implementing schemes for the elderly such as old age homes, day homes, Vayomitram, Vayo Amritham, Sayamprabha, Vayoraksha, 'Mandahasam' (which provides free dentures to the elderly), and 'Sallapam' (a telephone friendship group to overcome their isolation). "A social auditing must be conducted to find out whether these schemes are achieving their declared objectives. Urgent steps should be taken to rectify the deficiencies found and reorganize all these schemes under the new department with greater efficiency," he said.
Clear Definition of Roles
He said the responsibilities, areas of operation, and powers of the proposed department of elderly affairs, as well as the recently formed elderly commission, should be clearly defined so that their functions complement each other.
Government Announcement
Addressing his first press conference after swearing in as chief minister on Monday, V D Satheesan announced the creation of a dedicated department for senior citizens, adding that it was conceived with a long-term vision.
