The state government is planning to bring in a pre-condition in the utilisation of annual Plan funds in local bodies, earmarking a specific percentage of it for the welfare of the elderly. The move comes in the wake of Kerala attaining the status of a ‘state of the elderly people’ and the government planning to go in for a policy for the aged, as the grey population has crossed 13 per cent of the total population. No other state in the country has an aged population beyond 10 per cent.

Minister for Social Justice and Panchayat M K Muneer told ‘Express’ that the idea is to make local bodies spend on the current policy of setting apart a minimum percentage on programmes for women empowerment (10%) and welfare of marginalised sections (5%). “Earmarking at least 5 per cent of the total allocation for the aged is under consideration. Local bodies can determine a higher outlay based on the needs of areas under its jurisdiction,” Muneer said. The government has come out with an outline for a policy for the aged, with an age limit of 60 years. Formation of elderly women’s groups, inclusion of geriatric care in the curricula of schools and colleges, concession for the aged in public transport systems are some of the proposals.

A state-level advisory committee for old age homes and a state council for the elderly are also mooted. “It is high time that the state should address issues connected to the aged. Projections are that by 2030, the grey population will overtake the state’s birth rate,” Muneer pointed out.