Kottayam, Kerala: In a first for the state, Elikkulam Panchayat in Kottayam has launched a pioneering initiative modelled on the international ‘Time Bank’ concept, where time, not money, is the currency of exchange. Under the scheme, volunteers who help senior citizens earn time credits, which they can later redeem when they or someone they nominate requires assistance.

The project, implemented through the Niravu @ 60 Plus group that brings together the elderly across all wards, earned Elikkulam recognition for its innovative approach to community welfare. The Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) has been entrusted with conducting the pilot project.

Each hour a volunteer spends assisting a senior citizen will be logged in an online time account by the recipient. A dedicated mobile app will facilitate tracking of these hours and enable exchanges of services. In line with current international models of time banking, those who contribute time can later receive equivalent help from others in the network.

K-DISC is still finalising the operational framework for Elikkulam’s version. Initially, participants are expected to receive gift vouchers instead of redeemable time credits. Data on the elderly population will be collected through a digital survey within the K-DISC app, while volunteers can monitor their earned hours via an online dashboard.

Elikkulam Panchayat has 7,652 senior citizens, whose details are already available through the Niravu 60 Plus network. ASHA workers will conduct surveys to identify those in need of assistance. The final list of volunteers will be confirmed after police verification, ensuring safety and accountability.

Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen intergenerational solidarity and create a sustainable model for elderly care based on mutual support rather than financial dependency.