Mentors Comments:
In the introduction, briefly demonstrate the significance of geriatric care in India.
List some of the core policies and programmes aimed at elderly population.
Assess the implementation of these welfare schemes and highlight the lacunae and major reasons behind the same.
Conclude by briefly suggesting the way forward.

Answer:
The number of elderly in India was 103.8 million in 2011 and is projected to be 173.2 million in 2026. The Government of India has demonstrated its commitment to ensure a secure, dignified and productive life for the elderly through various measures.

Major Schemes for elderly in India:
National Policy on Older Persons
Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP)
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
Annapurna scheme
National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)
Preference in the case of railway concessions and seat reservations for elderly in buses.

Inadequacy of Returns:
Schemes are often criticized for providing only minimal social security coverage.
Gender differentials: Women face greater vulnerabilities and isolation in old age, however, government schemes often ignore this factor.
Lack of competent human resources: There is a need of more than 10 million caregivers to address the needs of elderly population and a massive training programme to create competent human resource.

It is essential to have an easy and transparent disbursement system in place which can be facilitated through technological solutions like JAM trinity. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and civil society need to play an active role in creating awareness and expanding coverage of the ongoing schemes. All stakeholders, Central and State government, statutory bodies, leading academic and research institutions, social activists and donors must work in tandem to translate schemes into purposeful action.