An examination of the budget expectations among senior citizens highlights their concerns regarding accessible infrastructure and the high Goods and Services Tax rates applied to various services and products essential for the elderly, among other issues.
A new survey conducted by the well-known foundation involving interactions with 10,000 elderly individuals nationwide, the analysis sheds light on the aspirations of senior citizens in the current era, characterized by the prevalence of nuclear families.
A significant 76% of older individuals expressed the view that the government should consider exempting essential items like adult diapers and wheelchairs from GST or placing them in lower GST rate slabs.
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Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents (6785 out of 10,000) indicated that old age pension schemes should be more realistic, advocating for an increase in the monthly pension amount.
Himanshu Rath, the founder chairman of the Foundation, stated, “According to the mid-January analysis, 76% of elderly participants acknowledged that due to the increasing elderly population, the government should prioritize addressing their specific needs.”
Rath revealed that the survey unveiled a preference for more tax-free investment options and financial security measures exclusively designed for older individuals, with 52% of respondents expressing this viewpoint.
Nutritional concerns also emerged among the elderly, as 65% of participants (6505 out of 10,000) recommended that the government should allocate provisions in the upcoming budget to supply monthly nutri-kits to elderly individuals from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
The respondents emphasized the need to prioritize healthcare and support systems for older persons from underprivileged and marginalized sections.
The analysis underscores worries about the accessibility of public spaces, with nearly 71% of elderly respondents advocating for provisions to create an age-friendly environment nationwide.
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This would ensure that public spaces and services are easily accessible to older individuals. Additionally, 36% of respondents expressed the need for doorstep healthcare services for the elderly.
Approximately one-third (32%) of survey participants expressed the desire for the government to ensure online counselling services covering various psychological, medical, financial, and legal issues faced by older individuals.
Furthermore, recognizing the inclination of many seniors to work post-retirement, the analysis underscores that 37% of respondents recommended the initiation of a government scheme to create self-employment opportunities for senior citizens.
In a petition addressed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Foundation has outlined the aspirations of the elderly from the budget update. The petition advocates for a revision of the monthly amount under the social pension scheme to align with prevailing inflation.
Specifically, it urges an increase in the Central government’s share in the monthly old-age pension to Rs. 5000 per month for every elderly person, with a corresponding adjustment for the state government’s share.
The Foundation also emphasizes the need for a self-employment scheme for the elderly, highlighting the untapped potential of older individuals who possess experience, time, and a strong desire to remain engaged and connected with the mainstream through work in their later years.
