Silent Struggle Of India's Elderly: A Call For Compassion & Reform

In the vibrant tapestry of India's demographic landscape, where a burgeoning young population often takes the spotlight, a quieter, sombre narrative exists—one of the elderly citizens grappling with financial hardships and societal neglect. Today, we delve into the poignant story of Sritoma, a 78-year-old woman whose life encapsulates the challenges faced by many senior citizens in India.

Sritoma, having recently celebrated her 78th spring, stands at a crossroads of solitude and financial strain. With her children comfortably settled in Sydney and Singapore, respectively, she lost her husband and best friend a decade ago. An only child, Sritoma enjoyed a cosy upbringing thanks to her banker father and teacher mother. However, the comfortable life she shared with her husband dwindled their savings, leaving her financially vulnerable in her golden years.

For the past five years, Sritoma has found herself living alone, her children's visits becoming infrequent as they navigate their own challenges abroad. Financial support dwindles with each passing day, and she now relies on a meagre old-age pension of ₹400 under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. This amount barely covers a fortnight's worth of vegetables, leaving her in a perpetual state of shame and seclusion.

Her only companion is Roghu, a loyal Indian breed dog she rescued six years ago. On days when finances are tight, both Sritoma and Roghu have to make do with simple meals, highlighting the harsh reality of their existence.

Sritoma's story is not unique; it mirrors the struggles of 65% of elderly Indians who find themselves financially dependent, as revealed by national surveys. The demographic disadvantage becomes apparent as every tenth person in India's 1.2 billion population, aged 60 and above, faces a financial crisis or dependency.

The stark statistics paint a grim picture—only one-third of the elderly population in India feels financially secure. A staggering 88% of those aged 80 and above depend on others for their economic well-being. This dire situation is further exemplified by the fact that senior citizens in India receive pensions ranging from ₹200 to ₹500 under the NSAP scheme, a paltry amount that often serves as a harsh mockery in the face of mounting expenses. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme last witnessed an increase in 2012, when the Disability Pension was increased from Rs 200 to Rs 300. Even a parliamentary panel emphasized in its report in March 2023 that the pension ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500 under the NSAP scheme is deemed “not acceptable at all.” However, the government has not taken any steps in this regard thus far.

In contrast to advanced countries where state-funded pensions provide ample support to elderly citizens, India's elderly find themselves grappling with the challenge of managing two square meals a day, often resorting to working despite compromised health.

The need for immediate intervention is evident. It's time for policymakers to revisit this scheme and increase the pension amount keeping in mind the living costs in our country. They deserve a second chance at life—one that is characterized by self-respect, sound minds and bodies, dignity, and comfort. I wish to see a society where our senior citizens can live out their remaining years with the independence and security they rightfully deserve.

Suparna Dasgupta Roy, Nguvu Change Leader & President of Procheshtha - A Philanthropic Initiative started during the COVID Pandemic. We work for Geriatric rights, voice against Geriatric abuse and do various Social Reforms and Charitable activities. It is based out of Kolkata