HelpAge India welcomes the Union Budget 2026–27 and its emphasis on people-centric development, noting the several measures that resonate with India’s ageing population.
HelpAge India welcomes the Union Budget 2026–27 and its emphasis on people-centric development, noting the several measures that resonate with India’s ageing population.
Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India, recognizes some of significant measures mentioned with respect to the elderly and said, “Budget 2026–27 touches upon several important enablers for a healthy and dignified ageing—livelihoods, care, mental health, digital systems, and healthcare affordability. The most significant being, bringing attention to ‘geriatric care giving & allied care services’ focusing on building a strong Care Ecosystem, with training of multiskilled caregivers, an essential pillar of the Long Term Care (LTC) system that the country must urgently put in place as longevity increases.
“Setting up of a NIMHANS-2 & upgrading National Mental Health Institutes, is another welcome move that will improve access, availability and quality of mental health care, particularly for the elderly, who are disproportionately vulnerable to mental health conditions. NIMHANS Bengaluru, has led the way in geriatric mental health through initiatives like ‘Vayomanasa Sanjeevani’ that cater to the unique needs of older adults. This will add fresh impetus to these efforts.”
Prasad added, “Increasing focus in healthcare, especially NCDs, which remains the largest health challenge for senior citizens and a major driver of health expenditure, is timely. While efforts to shift the health system’s emphasis from treatment to prevention are encouraging, there is a need for more explicit targeted interventions on NCD prevention, especially for older adults.”
Emphasizing the role of livelihoods in ensuring dignity & independence in old age, Prasad reiterated, “The strengthening of livelihoods through NRLM linked Self Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts is a positive step. Elder inclusion is already an integral part of the NRLM framework, with older persons recognised as a priority and vulnerable group. At HelpAge, we actively work with Elder-Self-Help-Groups under our livelihood initiative. A renewed focus on community-based enterprises and market access will therefore also benefit older women and men who wish to remain economically active and live a life of dignity. To fully realise this opportunity, elder enterprises must be supported by age friendly design, flexible norms, easier access to credit, and convergence with pensions, healthcare, and social protection.
Highlighting India’s digital vision under Viksit Bharat, Prasad said, “The strong push towards AI and digital infrastructure opens new possibilities for improving eldercare through tele health, assistive technologies, and a more responsive public service delivery system. Therefore, investments in digital literacy for older persons, assisted access, vernacular interfaces, and accessibility by design are essential to prevent the digital divide from deepening with age.”
He concluded, “As India prepares for a rapidly ageing population, a mission driven and scaled approach towards elder care is critical. Going forward, what is needed is a sharper, sustained focus on older persons as a distinct constituency, with dedicated investments needed in income security, long term care, digital inclusion and age responsive public systems to ensure that increased longevity becomes a dividend rather than a vulnerability. HelpAge India is committed to work with stakeholders to ensure that longevity in India is accompanied by dignity, security, and wellbeing for every senior citizen.”
