Kerala has become the first state in India to establish a dedicated Commission for Senior Citizens to ensure the welfare, protection, and rehabilitation of its elderly population.
The Commission, formed under Section 3(1) of the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025, aims to eliminate age-related prejudices and harness the skills, experience, and innovative ideas of senior citizens for societal benefit.
With Kerala projected to have nearly one-fourth of its population above 60 years by 2026, the new body is expected to frame comprehensive strategies to tackle challenges posed by an ageing society.
The headquarters will be in Thiruvananthapuram, and the Chairperson will hold the status of a Government Secretary with a three-year tenure. The Commission will also include key officers, including a Secretary of Additional Secretary rank, a Registrar from the Law Department, and a Finance Officer from the Finance Department.
Former Rajya Sabha MP and Kollam District Panchayat President K. Somaprasad has been appointed as the first Chairperson of the Commission.
Social Justice Minister Dr. R Bindu said the government prioritizes elderly care through policies, healthcare access, and effective implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC). She emphasized that institutional and policy support will continue to strengthen the social security system for senior citizens.
