Social Justice
International Day of Older Persons
- 01 Oct 2019
- 2 min read
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1st October (designated in 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly) every year.
- 2019 Theme: ‘The Journey to Age Equality’
- The 2019 theme is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) and focuses on pathways of coping with existing — and preventing future — old age inequalities.
- SDG 10 has the target to reduce inequality within and among countries and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Initiatives Taken by India
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Nodal Ministry for matters relating to the Senior Citizens.
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens - It is the central sector scheme and its main objective is to improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building of State/ UT Governments/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)/Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) / local bodies and the community at large.
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana: It was launched in May 2017 and is aimed towards providing social security during old age and to protect elderly people aged 60 and above against a future fall in their income due to uncertain market conditions. The scheme provides an assured return of 8% per annum for 10 years.
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007: It was enacted in December 2007 to ensure need-based maintenance for Parents and Senior Citizens and their welfare.
