India's ageing population highlights need for trained elderly caregivers

The brief in 5 cards

1. Context1 / 5
   • India needs a larger workforce of trained, affordable elderly caregivers as the population ages and traditional family support changes with migration and smaller households.
   • Union Budget 2026–27 announced a target to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers through programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
   • NITI Aayog's 2026 policy recommendations call for caregiving to be recognised as skilled work, with standardised training and better support for family carers.
   • The Budget figure is a training target, not the number already trained. The central challenge is to expand safe, affordable care without treating every older person as dependent.
2. Key highlights2 / 5

   India's ageing population

   The 2023 India Ageing Report estimates the increase in people aged 60 years and above:

   Indicator	2022 estimate	2050 projection
   People aged 60+	14.9 crore	34.7 crore
   Share of population	10.5%	20.8%

   Why specialist care matters

   • Long-term conditions: Some older people need medicine reminders, monitoring and help arranging regular medical care.
   • Mobility and safety: Training helps carers assist with daily activities and reduce fall risks.
   • Dementia: People living with dementia may need adapted communication and behavioural support.
   • Recovery and rehabilitation: Caregivers can support daily recovery tasks under appropriate clinical guidance.
   • Dignity and independence: Good care respects the person's preferences and abilities.

   Prelims distinction: Caregivers support daily living and suitable care tasks; they do not replace qualified doctors or nurses.

3. Key concepts3 / 5

   Unpaid care work is unequal

   The Time Use Survey 2024 measured average daily time spent by people aged 15–59 who actually participated in unpaid caregiving for household members:

   Participant group	Minutes per day
   Women	140
   Men	74

   These are averages per participant, not per person across the entire population.

   • Unpaid care: Family members, especially women, perform much of the daily work without wages.
   • Employment effect: Heavy care responsibilities can limit opportunities for paid work.
   • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): NITI Aayog recommends pathways to assess, train and certify experienced informal caregivers.
   • Shared responsibility: Respite care (short-term relief for a regular carer) and family training can reduce exhaustion.

   Care economy: Paid and unpaid work supporting people who need assistance, including children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

4. Note4 / 5

   Policy framework and existing initiatives

   1. Union Budget 2026–27

   • Announced training for 1.5 lakh caregivers through NSQF-aligned programmes covering core care, wellness, yoga and use of medical or assistive devices.

   2. NITI Aayog recommendations (2026)

   • Call for professional recognition, consistent qualifications, stronger family-care support and a proposed National Caregiver Council (NCC) to coordinate standards and certification.
   • Important: The NCC is proposed, not an established statutory regulator.

   3. National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)

   • A Ministry of Health and Family Welfare programme supporting preventive, curative and rehabilitative services through public facilities.

   4. Kudumbashree's K4 Care, Kerala

   • A community-linked training and employment initiative for home-care support, including care for older persons and other people needing assistance.

   5. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

   • Provides for maintenance of eligible parents and senior citizens, including claims before Maintenance Tribunals.

   Distinction: Established schemes and legal rights differ from new Budget commitments and policy recommendations.

5. Note5 / 5

   Challenges

   • Skill gaps: Dementia support, mobility assistance and sustained home care require practical training.
   • Unequal access: Rural and low-income families may struggle to afford reliable services.
   • Informal jobs: Care workers often lack predictable wages, certification and social protection.
   • Fragmented services: Health, welfare and skills programmes may not coordinate well.

   Suggested measures — not newly approved government decisions

   • Train and certify: Use recognised qualifications, supervised practice and regular refresher courses.
   • Expand community care: Build on local women's groups, existing health workers and training institutions.
   • Support family carers: Offer short courses, counselling and temporary respite services.
   • Improve employment: Link qualifications with fair pay, placement pathways and social protection.
   • Coordinate services: Connect trained carers to geriatric clinics, primary healthcare and rehabilitation providers.

   Final takeaway: India's care system must combine skilled professional services with support for family carers while protecting older people's independence and dignity.

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