Strengthening Elderly Care: A Review of State Government and Local Bodies Initiatives in Silchar Assam

Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(II) | September - 2025 84 Strengthening Elderly Care: A Review of State Government and Local Bodies Initiatives in Silchar Assam Mazida Khatun1, Dr. Ritwika Rajendara2 1Research Scholar, Department of Social Work Assam University, Silchar 2Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work Assam University Silchar Email: mazida96[email protected]m Manuscript ID: JRD -2025(I)-170914 ISSN: 2230-9578 Volume 17 Issue 9(II)| Pp. 84-89 Sept. 2025 Submitted: 12 Aug. 2025 Revised: 25 Aug. 2025 Accepted: 22 Sept. 2025 Published: 30 Sept. 2025 Abstract Population aging is a global phenomenon, and the challenges it poses require effective policy interventions at multiple levels. In India, state governments and local bodies have implemented several initiatives to strengthen elderly care, focusing on financial security, healthcare, social inclusion, and legal protection. This paper reviews key initiatives by the Government of India, various state governments, and local bodies, highlighting their impact on improving the quality of life for senior citizens. The paper highlights major national schemes such as the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), and the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY). The paper also examines Assam’s state-level programs, including the Swahid Kushal Konwar Sarbajanin Briddha Pension Achoni and the Sparsh Mission. The findings underscore the importance of integrating financial support with healthcare and social engagement to address the multifaceted needs of the elderly. Keywords: Elderly care, state government, local bodies, financial security, healthcare, social inclusion Introduction The global demographic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation marked by the rapid increase in the elderly population. Aging has become a defining feature of the 21st century, with the proportion of older adults rising steadily across developed and developing nations. According to the United Nations World Population Ageing Report (2023), the global population aged 60 and above is expected to double from 1 billion in 2020 to 2.1 billion by 2050. This demographic shift is driven by increased life expectancy, declining birth rates, and advancements in healthcare and living standards. Countries like Japan, Germany, and Italy already have over 25% of their populations aged 65 and above, reflecting the growing burden on healthcare and social support systems (UN, 2023). India, currently the world’s most populous country, is also experiencing a demographic transition toward an aging society. As per the India Ageing Report (2023), the population aged 60 and above in India was around 138 million in 2021, constituting 10.1% of the total population, up from 8.6% in 2011. Projections indicate that by 2050, the elderly population in India will reach 319 million or approximately 19.5% of the total population. This rapid increase in the elderly demographic presents significant challenges in terms of healthcare, social security, financial independence, and emotional well-being (UNFPA, 2023). The rise in life expectancy, which has increased from 63 years in 2000 to 70.1 years in 2021 (World Bank, 2023), further amplifies the need for sustainable policies and effective welfare programs. At the state level, Assam mirrors this national trend, with the proportion of the elderly population growing steadily over the decades. According to the Census of India (2011), the population aged 60 and above in Assam constituted 8% of the total population, which translates to approximately 2.5 million elderly individuals. Quick Response Code: Website: https://jrdrvb.org/ DOI: Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work noncommercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations ae licensed under the idential terms. Address for correspondence: Mazida Khatun, Research Scholar, Department of Social Work Assam University, Silchar How to cite this article: Mazida Khatun, Ritwika Rajendara ,(2025). Strengthening Elderly Care: A Review of State Government and Local Bodies Initiatives in Silchar Assam. Journal of Research & Development, 17(9(II)),84-89. Original Article Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(II) | September - 2025 85 The state’s elderly population is projected to rise significantly by 2031, creating a pressing need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, financial assistance, and social protection measures. At the regional level, Silchar, a city located in southern Assam, reflects a similar demographic shift. As per the Census of India (2011), Silchar had a total population of 178,865, with approximately 8% falling into the elderly category, amounting to around 14,300 individuals. With the projected population growth, the elderly population in Silchar is estimated to reach around 20,700 by 2025. The increasing number of elderly residents in Silchar highlights the importance of local government initiatives and community-based support systems. Despite policy measures such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007), various challenges persist in the implementation and delivery of elderly care services at the grassroots level. The lack of adequate healthcare facilities, financial insecurity, and emotional neglect remain significant issues. Furthermore, family structures are evolving, with increased urbanization and migration leading to the weakening of traditional family-based support systems. This paper aims to critically review the existing state government and local body initiatives in strengthening elderly care, with a focus on Assam and Silchar. By examining global and national trends, state-specific policies, and local-level challenges, the paper seeks to identify gaps in the current framework and propose strategic recommendations for improving elderly welfare services. Objectives of the Study  To examine key state and local government initiatives aimed at improving elderly care in India.  To assess the effectiveness of healthcare, financial, and social support programs for senior citizens.  To Find out the challenges in elderly care provision at the local level.  To provide recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of elderly care policies. Literature Review Global Perspective on Elderly Care Initiatives Globally, developed countries have implemented structured elderly care systems supported by comprehensive health insurance and social security frameworks. Japan’s Long-Term Care Insurance system provides institutional and homebased care for senior citizens (Campbell et al., 2016). Scandinavian countries have developed extensive public-funded home-care services to promote aging in place (Christiansen & Vrangbæk, 2018). State Government Initiatives in India Health Care Programs The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) was introduced in 2010–11 to provide specialized healthcare services for senior citizens. It includes geriatric units in district hospitals and community health centers, focusing on preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2022). Social Security and Pension Schemes The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) provides ₹200 per month for those aged 60–79 years and ₹500 for those above 80 years (Ministry of Rural Development, 2021). Despite its reach, the pension amount remains insufficient to cover basic living expenses (Mukherjee & Sinha, 2018). Housing and Infrastructure The Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) focuses on providing essential services such as shelter, food, and medical care through the establishment of senior citizen homes and multi-service centers (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2023). Legal Frameworks The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 mandates that children and relatives provide maintenance to senior citizens (Government of India, 2007). Despite legal provisions, enforcement remains a challenge. Local Bodies' Initiatives Community-Based Programs Community-based organizations conduct awareness programs and social interaction platforms for senior citizens (HelpAge India, 2022). NGO-Led Initiatives NGOs such as Tata Trusts have introduced rural elder-care programs, focusing on caregiving and economic opportunities (Desai, 2020). Recreational and Social Inclusion Programs Day care centers, senior citizen clubs, and outreach programs offer social interaction and mental health support (Singh & Gupta, 2022). Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(II) | September - 2025 86 Assam Government Initiatives Swahid Kushal Konwar Sarbajanin Briddha Pension Achoni Introduced in 2018, this scheme provides ₹250 per month to senior citizens (Government of Assam, 2018). Pitri Matri Vandana Introduced in 2024, this initiative allows state employees to take leave to spend time with parents (The Hills Times, 2024). Sparsh Mission This healthcare program in Bajali district provides home-based health services for elderly residents aged 90 and above (The Assam Tribune, 2024). Findings and Discussion The findings of data drawn from international, national, state (Assam), and regional (Silchar) levels, combined with insights from the literature review, reveals critical patterns, gaps, and emerging trends in elderly care. The findings reflect the increasing demographic shift towards an aging population, the challenges faced by elderly individuals, and the effectiveness of policy interventions. This section analyzes the data in light of the literature review, highlighting key observations, gaps, and policy implications at each level. 1. International Level Analysis The literature review indicates that aging is a global phenomenon, with developed nations experiencing the most rapid demographic shifts. Countries such as Japan, Germany, and Italy have already adapted to these changes by introducing comprehensive elderly care models, including financial security, healthcare, and social support systems (UN, 2023). Key Observations:  The global aging rate aligns with the data from the UN World Population Ageing Report (2023), which projects that the global elderly population will reach 2.1 billion by 2050.  Countries like Japan have established successful models of elderly care through long-term care insurance, homebased care, and social support, reducing dependency on institutional care (Ogawa & Matsukura, 2022).  European models emphasize decentralized care through local governments and municipalities, ensuring accessibility and personalization of elderly care services (Christiansen & Vrangbæk, 2020). Gap Identified:  Developing countries face challenges in replicating these models due to financial constraints and weaker healthcare infrastructure.  Lack of universal healthcare and social security remains a major issue in developing countries like India. 2. National Level (India) Analysis The literature review confirms that India is undergoing a significant demographic shift toward an aging society. The India Ageing Report (2023) highlights that the population aged 60 and above increased from 8.6% in 2011 to 10.1% in 2021 and is expected to reach 19.5% by 2050. Key Observations:  The rise in life expectancy from 63 years in 2000 to 70.1 years in 2021 reflects improved healthcare and living conditions (World Bank, 2023).  Studies by Alam and Mukherjee (2021) and Rajan (2020) confirm that over 60% of elderly individuals suffer from chronic illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes.  Financial dependency remains high, with only 30% of elderly individuals receiving formal pensions (Bloom et al., 2021). Policy Impact:  The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) and the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) have had limited success due to poor implementation and lack of awareness (Kumar & Prasad, 2019).  The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) covers only 20% of the eligible population, reflecting gaps in accessibility and coverage (Singh et al., 2022). Gap Identified:  The current policy framework is insufficient to meet the growing healthcare and financial needs of the elderly.  A lack of integration between healthcare, social welfare, and financial security programs leads to fragmented service delivery. Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(II) | September - 2025 87 3. State Level (Assam) Analysis The demographic shift observed in Assam reflects the broader national trend of increasing elderly population. According to the Census of India (2011), the elderly population in Assam stands at 8% (approximately 2.5 million). Key Observations:  The literature review by Sharma and Deka (2020) and Gogoi et al. (2019) confirms that Assam faces severe healthcare infrastructure deficiencies.  Assam has only one geriatric care unit per 100,000 elderly individuals and a significant shortage of trained geriatric healthcare professionals.  Mental health issues are particularly prevalent, but no specialized mental health support services are available for elderly individuals (Dutta & Bhuyan, 2019). Policy Impact:  The Assam State Policy for Older Persons (2018) aims to create old age homes and day-care centers, but only 30% of the targeted infrastructure has been established (Assam State Government Report, 2022).  The Annapurna Scheme and Senior Citizen Card Scheme provide some financial and social support, but coverage is limited to urban areas. Gap Identified:  Poor implementation of state-level programs and insufficient monitoring mechanisms result in low outreach and impact.  Healthcare services remain concentrated in urban areas, with rural elderly populations left underserved. 4. Regional Level (Silchar) Analysis Silchar reflects a microcosm of the broader demographic trend in Assam. The Census of 2011 records Silchar’s population at 178,865, with 8% (approximately 14,300 individuals) falling into the elderly category. Key Observations:  Data from local health departments and NGO reports confirm that elderly residents in Silchar face poor healthcare access and financial insecurity (Das et al., 2021).  The literature review highlights that Silchar has only three old age homes, with limited capacity to accommodate the growing elderly population.  Social isolation and emotional neglect are prevalent due to increased urbanization and nuclear family structures. Policy Impact:  Community-based initiatives by local NGOs have provided temporary relief through health camps and social engagement programs (Das & Dey, 2022).  Local government initiatives, such as senior citizen welfare programs, remain underfunded and poorly managed. Gap Identified:  Lack of integration between government programs and local community initiatives limits the effectiveness of elderly care in Silchar.  Financial assistance programs have low coverage due to complex bureaucratic processes and lack of awareness. Cross-Cutting Issues and Challenges Financial Insecurity:  The literature review confirms that only 30% of elderly Indians receive formal pensions, leading to financial vulnerability (Alam & Mukherjee, 2021).  The absence of a universal pension scheme exacerbates inequality among rural and marginalized elderly populations. Healthcare Deficiencies:  Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis affect over 60% of elderly individuals, but specialized geriatric healthcare remains limited (Bloom et al., 2021).  Mental health issues, including depression and dementia, are rarely addressed in state and national healthcare policies (Kumar & Prasad, 2019). Social Isolation and Emotional Neglect:  Changing family structures due to urbanization and migration have weakened traditional family-based support systems (Sharma & Deka, 2020).  A growing number of elderly individuals face emotional neglect, contributing to mental health problems and increased vulnerability to abuse (Rajan, 2020). Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-9(II) | September - 2025 88 Policy and Implementation Gaps Low Coverage and Reach:Government pension and welfare schemes cover less than 30% of the eligible elderly population, particularly in rural areas. Poor Coordination:Lack of integration between healthcare, financial security, and social care programs results in fragmented service delivery. Weak Monitoring and Evaluation:State and national programs lack proper monitoring mechanisms, leading to misallocation of resources and poor outreach. 7. Recommendations  Increase the number of geriatric healthcare units and trained professionals.  Establish integrated care models combining healthcare, social welfare, and financial support.  Expand pension and financial assistance programs, particularly for rural and marginalized elderly populations.  Improve outreach and awareness of state and local government programs.  Strengthen partnerships between government agencies and local NGOs for enhanced service delivery. Conclusion The growing aging population presents a significant socio-economic and healthcare challenge at the global, national, state, and regional levels. This study has provided a comprehensive review of elderly care initiatives and policies implemented by state governments and local bodies, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by elderly individuals, particularly in Assam and Silchar. The analysis highlights the pressing need for improved healthcare infrastructure, financial security, and social support to address the vulnerabilities of the elderly population. The study underscores the need for a more integrated and coordinated approach to elderly care. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding financial assistance programs, and improving the coverage of social welfare initiatives are crucial steps toward addressing the challenges faced by elderly individuals. Public-private partnerships, increased budgetary allocations for elderly care, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential to improve the effectiveness of existing policies and programs. Moreover, raising awareness about available support services and simplifying the process for accessing financial and healthcare benefits can significantly enhance the reach and impact of elderly care programs. References 1. Alam, M., & Mukherjee, D. (2021). 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