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What is the News?
The government of India has launched the first pan-India toll-free helpline–14567–for senior citizens called the ‘Elder Line’.
What is the Elder Line?
Elder Line is the first pan-India toll-free helpline–14567–for senior citizens. It aims to provide free information and guidance on pension and legal issues, extend emotional support and intervene in cases of abuse.
The intent is basically to provide senior citizens or their well-wishers with one platform to connect and share their concerns, get information and guidance on problems that they face on a day-to-day basis without having to struggle for it.
Which Ministry has launched the Elder Line?
The Elder Line has been launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Tata Trusts and National Stock Exchange (NSE) Foundation, as technical partners, are supporting the ministry in operationalising the Elder Line.
To date, 17 states have opened the Elder Line in their respective geographies.
| Read more: Kerala’s “Bell of Faith Scheme” for elderly |
Why was the Elder Line helpline launched?
India is expected to have nearly 20% elderly population, i.e. over 300 million senior citizens by 2050. This is significant as many countries have a population less than this number.
This age group faces various mental, emotional, financial, legal and physical challenges, and the pandemic has further exacerbated it.
Hence, taking cognisance of the growing need to support the elderlies in the country, the Government of India has launched the Elder Line.
| Read more: Elderly population in India – Explained, pointwise |
Source: This post is based on the article “Country’s first Pan-India helpline for senior citizens: Elder Line (Toll Free No- 14567)” published in PIB on 28th Sep 2021.
