A new Department of Social Welfare for Senior Citizens is taking shape in Kerala

Social Justice Minister VE Abdul Gafoor (right) interacts with senior citizens during the inauguration of the first anniversary celebrations of the Senior Citizens’ Commission in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. | Photo credit: PTI

The newly created Department of Elderly Care, one of the highlights of the UDF government’s first budget, is in the process of being fully operational, with key positions being moved and proposals for a number of new social initiatives being submitted to the government.

The General Administration Department has issued orders for the transfer of posts, including the posts of Additional Secretary, Under Secretary, Section Clerk, Assistants and Computer Assistants, from the General Administration and Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department to the new department.

The government has earmarked ₹10 crore in the state budget for the functioning of the department and implementation of welfare programs for senior citizens. The proposals presented for the welfare of the elderly include measures aimed at protection, care, health care, social security and productive ageing.

The creation of a dedicated department assumes significance against the backdrop of Kerala’s rapidly aging population and the growing social, economic and health challenges faced by senior citizens.

The government proposes to move away from social assistance to the elderly and create a comprehensive program to address the needs of the elderly.

As an important part of the department’s work, a silver economy is proposed, which includes economic activities based on the needs, purchasing power, skills, employment and entrepreneurial potential of older people.

The new department was assigned the task of administering laws and rules relating to senior citizens, implementing the state’s senior citizen policy and centrally sponsored and state welfare programmes, managing the affairs of the Kerala State Commission for Senior Citizens and old age homes.

Directorate at the state level

Efforts are already underway to establish a national directorate for the welfare of the elderly and district-level offices and a state board to coordinate all measures in the field of welfare for the elderly.

The government also plans to launch a comprehensive nationwide survey of senior citizens.

24-hour helpline

The proposed 24-hour helpline for various emergency interventions on behalf of senior citizens will be coordinated at the field level by a rapid response team to provide services to senior citizens. The RRT will be headed by a field officer who will provide immediate assistance to the elderly

A State Technical Advisory Committee and counters for the elderly were proposed in all local government institutions. Initiatives are also planned to encourage greater interaction and cooperation between seniors and members of the younger generation.

A dedicated service portal for the elderly will be set up to establish an Elderly Vulnerability Registry, Kerala Care Workforce Registry, Service Connect Directory and Productive Aging Registry.

Establishment of District Senior Citizens Cells in all 14 District Collectorates, Certification Processes for Senior-Friendly Government Departments, Dementia-Friendly Keralam Initiative and Senior-Friendly Health Protocols and Neighborhood Support Networks for the Elderly supported by Kudumbashree are in final stages.

Published – 02 Sep 2026 07:00 IST