Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, (19 September 2022) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enj..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, (19 September 2022)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva(19 September 2022)

Mr. President,

  We thank the Independent Expert for the presentation of her report and take note of its conclusions and recommendations. 

Mr. President,

 India is expected to have nearly 20% elderly population i.e. over 300 million senior citizens by 2050. We envision a society where they live a healthy, empowered, dignified and self-reliant life alongwith strong social and inter-generational bonding.

We are cognisant of the challenges to the enjoyment of human rights by older persons, including the existing gaps in the legal framework. Taking cognisance of the growing need to support them, the Government of India has taken monumental steps towards addressing the problems they face, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s first toll-free helpline called ‘Elder Line’ now provides free information and guidance on pension and legal issues, extends emotional support, and even intervenes on field in cases of abuse, and rescues homeless elderly. The recently released Quality of Life for Elderly Index assesses the well-being of India’s ageing population across our States and Union Territories.

The National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 envisages State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter, protection and other needs of older persons to improve quality of their lives. The National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly provides for accessible, affordable and high-quality long-term care services to them.

Different welfare schemes ensure old age income security, old age pension and assistive living devices for senior citizens. Livelihood and skilling initiatives encourage them to form Self Help Groups for keeping themselves engaged for carrying out activities that may result into marketable products.

I thank you.