First workshop on Care Economy held in Dehradun
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Aug: The first ever special workshop on the care economy for senior citizens and persons with disabilities was organised in Dehradun today under a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and the Social Welfare Department of Uttarakhand. The workshop deliberated on systematically developing care services in the state, linking them with the mainstream economy and creating new employment opportunities.
It may be reminded here that the care economy encompasses economic activities and services that meet the needs of people in health, education and daily life, including childcare, elder care, healthcare, domestic work and support for the sick and the disabled.
Social Welfare Minister Khajan Das, who attended as Chief Guest, said that traditionally, in Uttarakhand, families have taken responsibility for caring for elders and persons with disabilities, but changing social circumstances have increased the need for professional care services for the elders. With the rise of nuclear families and both men and women engaged in the jobs, demand for organised care services is growing, and the care economy can play a vital role in providing new employment opportunities for youth.
He also emphasised that due to migration of the young people, many villages in the hill regions are left with elderly residents living alone. It is therefore essential to develop effective systems to meet their social, emotional and daily needs. The government is committed to taking necessary steps in this direction, and strengthening the care economy will require joint efforts by government, non-governmental organisations, experts and civil society.
It was also noted in the workshop that according to the 2011 Census, the number of people aged 60 years and above in India was 10.38 crore, constituting about 8.6 per cent of the population. Projections suggest that by 2050 one in every five persons will be over 60, with the elderly population reaching nearly 35 crores. This indicates a growing need for accessible and quality care services in the future.
Officials from the health, the education, skill development, rural development and the finance departments participated along with subject experts, senior citizens and representatives of organisations working in disability welfare. Presentations on aspects of the care economy were also made by NGOs including Latika Roy Foundation and Happy Family Health Care and Research Association.
Among those present on the occasion were Secretary Dr Sridhar Babu Addanki, Social Welfare Director Sanjay Kumar, Additional Secretary Sundlal Semwal, Tribal Welfare Director Sanjay Tolia, Additional Secretary Manmohan Mainali, Joint Director Geeta Ram Nautiyal, Chief Finance Controller Pooja Negi and other departmental officers and dignitaries.
