Elderline helpline support mechanism for senior citizens
Source:PIB ↗
આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
With India's demographic transition toward an aging population, initiatives like Elderline 14567 represent a critical institutional response to safeguard the rights, dignity, and security of senior citizens. It forms an important study point for social justice, vulnerability of elderly, and government welfare interventions under GS Paper II.
સારાંશ
The article highlights 'Elderline 14567', India's first toll-free helpline for senior citizens launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It serves as a comprehensive support system providing information, guidance, emotional support, and field-level interventions against elder abuse or distress, addressing the growing socio-economic vulnerabilities of India's aging population.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- Elderline (Toll-free number 14567) is India's first pan-India helpline for senior citizens, launched on 1st October 2021 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- It provides free information, guidance, emotional support, and field intervention (rescue, connecting with old age homes, legal advice) for elderly citizens.
- The initiative addresses issues like loneliness, abuse, financial fraud, and lack of awareness about welfare schemes among the aging population.
- Reflects India's commitment to geriatric care and fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding inclusive social development.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
Elderline 14567
India's first nationwide toll-free helpline (14567) for senior citizens, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide information, guidance, emotional support, and field interventions against elder abuse.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Social Justice / Vulnerable Sections): Tests policies, welfare schemes, and institutional mechanisms for elderly care in India.
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
A landmark 2007 legislation legally obligating adult children and heirs to provide financial maintenance to parents and senior citizens, establishing tribunals and penalizing abandonment.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance / Social Justice): Tests legal safeguards, social legislation, and rights of senior citizens.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The nodal central government ministry responsible for welfare, social defense, and empowerment of marginalized groups including senior citizens, Scheduled Castes, OBCs, and persons with disabilities.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Governance / Social Justice): Important for studying nodal ministries executing welfare policies and developmental schemes.
National Institute of Social Defence (NISD)
An autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment mandated with research, training, and human resource development in social defense areas like elder care and drug abuse prevention.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Social Justice): Evaluates institutional frameworks and capacity-building bodies for vulnerable sections and social defense.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What are the key provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007?
- Legal Duty: Statutory obligation for children and relatives to maintain senior citizens, ensuring a normal life.
- Tribunals: Establishment of Maintenance Tribunals by State Governments for speedy disposal of applications for maintenance.
- Old Age Homes: State Governments mandated to establish old age homes in at least district-level to house indigent senior citizens.
- Penalties: Cognizable offences for abandonment of senior citizens by those responsible for their care.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
Geriatric Care Meets Demographic Transition Realities
The demographic dividend window closing must be read alongside the silver economy boom, linking old-age support schemes like Elderline with National Health Policy targets for geriatric care.
Expect a statement-based question pairing Elderline 14567 with statutory provisions like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents Act, 2007.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2
- 2020MainsGS2
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
- 2024PrelimsGS1
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years. 2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary. 3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. 4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
