Kerala Assembly passes bill to protect elderly rights

The Kerala Assembly has approved the Kerala State Elderly Commission Bill, 2025. This Bill aims to protect the rights of elderly people in the state. It replaces a previous ordinance published by the Governor in December 2024. Minister for Social Justice R. Bindu explained that the Bill will create a strong system to support the elderly. According to the 2011 Census, elderly people made up 12.6% of Kerala's population. Recent estimates show that this figure rose to 23% in 2018 and is expected to reach 25% by 2030. Elderly individuals often face challenges like neglect and abuse. Families are supposed to care for them, but many do not. The new commission will remind families of their responsibilities and can take legal actions if needed. It will also help the government develop better protections for the elderly. The Bill establishes a commission with guidelines for elderly welfare, rehabilitation, and utilizing their skills for public benefit. The commission will be led by a chairperson and have up to three members, all of whom will be elderly. At least one member will be from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, and another must be a woman. The chairperson will have a rank equal to a government Secretary, and their term, along with the members’, will last for three years.