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.