Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The Kerala government is set to introduce a law mandating that newly constructed homes with more than three bedrooms must reserve one room specifically for elderly family members.

This provision is part of a draft elder policy prepared by the Department of Social Justice to ensure the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.

The draft policy classifies welfare pensions as a right for the elderly and promises financial stability. Families facing financial hardship will receive subsidies to renovate homes to make them elder-friendly.

The policy also proposes guaranteed social welfare pensions for all eligible senior citizens. Furthermore, dedicated wards and telemedicine facilities for the elderly will be set up at public health centres.

Local bodies will also be responsible for providing transportation support to elderly patients from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to access primary health care facilities.

"Abhayakendras" (care homes) will also be launched at social health centres and taluk/district hospitals.

To enhance security, elderly individuals' homes will be geo-tagged. Only trained personnel will be allowed to care for them. Colleges will host senior-friendly clubs, while students will receive training in elder care through certified programs linked to NSS and NCC.

The draft also proposes a fast-track legal mechanism for the swift investigation and trial of crimes against the elderly.

The Social Justice Department will establish a dedicated professional cadre and a volunteer technical corps to oversee elderly welfare programs at the state, district, and local levels.

The draft policy recommends allocating 5% of the state budget and 10% of local government budgets for elderly welfare.

To ensure employment opportunities, a state-level skill registry will be created for elderly individuals. The elderly will be given preference in job guarantee schemes and provided with suitable work opportunities. Skilled senior citizens will also be offered internship roles in government and public sector organisations.