News: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched 2 flagship initiatives under SAHAJ Program to advance senior citizens’ well-being.
About SAHAJ Programme
- SAHAJ is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE).
- It aims to make ageing more dignified, inclusive, and to make elders seen as contributors, not just beneficiaries.
- It includes two major components:
- Vriddha Mitra Toolkit — designed to bridge the gap between senior citizens’ needs and policymaking, especially at the grassroots level.
- Shrinkhala – HUM (“Anubhav aur Utsaah ka Sangam”) — a talk series that fosters dialogue between senior citizens, policymakers, NGOs, and civil society.
- The Vriddha Mitra Toolkit was developed by SCHOOL (Society of Community Health Oriented Operational Links).
- It will be used at the grassroots level — community leaders, volunteers, etc. — to assess and articulate elders’ needs.
- The Talk Series (Shrinkhala) serves as an annual event to maintain momentum and dialogue among stakeholders.
Key Features
- Empathy in Policy: Vriddha Mitra Toolkit is meant to bring senior citizens’ real needs into the design and implementation of policies, especially in rural/grassroots areas.
- Intergenerational connections: Encouraging youth participation to reduce social isolation among elderly.
- Community-based elder care models: Highlighting successful community innovations and encouraging replication.
- Platform for voice and dialogue: Shrinkhala Talk Series gives a space for storytelling, lived experiences, to influence how programmes are made and delivered.
