Introduction…………………………………………………………………………Evaluation of NPOP………………………………………………………………. Outcomes…………………………………………………………………………… Conclusion & Recommendations………………………………………………. References…………………………………………………………………………Introduction: – Since the time when development planning was taken in independent India, the state has recognized older persons as vulnerable and weaker section of society which always need extra care and attention. The Directive Principles of State policies in Indian Constitution enjoin the state to provide welfare and assistance to the older persons for their upliftment. India is the second largest number country in terms of older population. The special features of the elderly population in India are: (a) a majority (80 per cent) of the elderly live in the rural areas, thereby making service delivery a challenge; (b) feminization of the elderly population (51 per cent of the elderly population would be women by the year 2016); (c) increase in the number of the oldest-old (persons above 80 years) and (d) a large proportion (30 per cent) of the elderly live below the poverty line. A combination of these features makes the elderly very vulnerable. However, due to the rapid changes in social structure and scenario nuclear family system is emerging, which is raising the challenges and social problems of older persons such as emotional, physical and financial insecurity. This was the result to seek an attention of the policy makers and administrators at central and state governments, voluntary organizations and civil society. Keeping in mind that old age care need attention so Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India adopted ‘ National Policy on Older Persons’ in January 1999. The National policy, seeks to assure older persons that their concerns are national concerns and they will not live unprotected, ignored or marginalized. The goal of the National Policy is the well – being of older persons. It aims to strengthen their legitimate place in society and help older persons to live their last phase of their life with purpose, dignity and peace. Following are the key elements of National Policy on Older Persons:-
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Evaluation of NPOP: – For setting this policy and effective implementation of it various service users involved to make statements in this policy. Role of these service users was though effective. As one stakeholder cannot provide services to older persons. Also these service users play an important role as pressure groups for making this policy by Government of India. Non �” Government organizations and voluntary organizations were the most prominent user in that. As state cannot provide all services needed by the older persons. Private sector agencies cannot cover the whole older population. In society various NGOs working for the welfare and empowerment of older people. So NGOs sector become very prominent institutional mechanism to provide user- friendly services to complement the endeavours of the state in this direction. For the formulation and implementation of National Policy on older persons, media have played a very important role to in highlighting the changing situations of older persons and in identifying emerging issues and areas of action. It also focuses on relevant and latest data to highlight the problems of older persons. Media always plays an effective role to aware the people about society. So, through media’s intervention in ageing sector people aware about all issues related to old age care. Therefore we can say that media was an effective pressure group and user in promoting, setting up and implementation of NPOP. Apex level organizations of older persons for example: local Senior citizen associations in the area had special responsibilities in this regard because they always function as a watchdog, energize continuing action, mobilize public opinion and generated pressure on government for implementation of such policy for old age care and protection. More importantly, implementation and review of Vienna Action plan of action on ageing, International federation on ageing and other United Nations agencies which highlight the global scenario on ageing and highlights the need of policy statements for older people in India. At Individual service user involvement CBOs and PRIs (Community based organizations and Panchayati raj institutions) were the key actors in highlighting the issues of ageing at grass root level which creates a pressure on Government to provide such policy as an welfare mechanism for those elderly who are completely dependent on society. Panchayat Raj institutions were encouraged to participate in the implementation of the national policy, address local levels issues and needs of the ageing and implement programs for them. They provide forums for discussing concerns of older persons and activities that need to be taken. Such forums were encouraged at Panchayat, block and district level. They were having adequate representation of older women. Panchayat has to mobilize the talents and skills of older persons and draw up plans for utilizing these at the local level. Amongst others, the help of the social justice committees of the village panchayats were taken to advocate different measures for giving effect to the policy. Last but not the least, NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) was also one of the key actor as pressure group for setting up of policy. NHRC highlights the cases of violation of human rights of older persons which creates an urgent need for government of India to set up it for protection of rights of older persons. For effective implementation of this policy, the ministry of social justice and empowerment worked as the nodal ministry to coordinate all matters relating to the implementation and setting up of the policy. A separate bureau of older persons was set up for this, which is known as old age division. An Inter-ministerial committee was set up to coordinate matters relating to implementation of the national policy and monitor its progress. States governments were also encouraged to set up separate directorate of older persons and set up machinery for coordination and monitoring. Another strategy for implementation and user involvement was the constitution of an autonomous National council for older persons, (Representatives from Central Ministries, States, Non Official members representing NGOs, academic Bodies, Media and Experts and members) which is headed by the minister for social justice and empowerment Govt. of India. The council’s role was indeed effective as it include the representatives of relevant central ministries and the planning commission. Five states were represented on the council by rotation. Adequate representation was given to non-official members representing non-government organizations, academic bodies, Media and experts on ageing issues from different fields. Every three years a detailed review has to be prepared by the nodal Ministry on implementation of NPOP. There have non- official participation in the preparation of the document. This review is always considered as public document. After implementing the policy, media was an important tool through which older persons, caregivers and their families were informed about this. Also at grass root level, local NGOs, community workers, social activists played a prominent role to carry this policy in the civil society. So that every unit of society was informed about this. Outcome: The participation of older people was not direct in the setting and implementation of this policy. However the views of older people were account in implementing this policy through the National Council of Older persons in India. The NCOP consists 25% of its members drawn from the government and 75% comprising academics and retired persons both from rural and urban communities. The Governments accepts the Council as a watchdog agency designed to monitor policy on ageing. The NPOP while promising to safeguard their interest in terms of financial security, health, legal, social and psychological security, also envisages a productive partnership with them in the process of development by creating opportunities for their gainful engagement and employment. The Policy also appreciates special needs of older persons and therefore lays emphasis on empowerment of community as well as individuals to adequately meet the challenges of the process of ageing.
