NITI Aayog Calls For National Caregiving Policy To Build Skilled Care Economy

New Delhi, Aug 6 (KNN) NITI Aayog has proposed a National Policy on Caregiving to formalise and professionalise India's caregiving sector, recommending the creation of a regulatory body, a professional caregiver cadre and a national digital platform to support caregivers and care seekers.

NITI Aayog Proposes National Policy On Caregiving

In its report, 'Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat@2047', released on Wednesday, the government think tank recommended establishing a National Caregiver Council to accredit caregivers, standardise training, regulate the sector, develop courses, promote global mobility and set up regional centres to strengthen the caregiving ecosystem.

The report also proposed granting professional recognition to caregivers through a dedicated cadre and creating a National Digital Caregiving Portal to connect caregivers with care seekers and improve access to care services, reported The Mint.

To improve working conditions, NITI Aayog recommended expanding social security, welfare benefits and entrepreneurship support for caregivers, with the aim of building a more organised, skilled and sustainable care economy.

Ageing Population To Drive Demand For Care Services

According to the report, India's elderly population is projected to increase from 149 million in 2022 to 347 million by 2050, raising its share of the population from 10.5 per cent to 20.8 per cent.

It also noted that 26.8 million Indians live with disabilities, highlighting the need for a structured caregiving ecosystem.

The report estimated that India's care services market, valued at USD 29.62 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to USD 72.31 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for organised care services.

Global Shortage Creates Opportunity For India

It also highlighted significant global opportunities, noting that OECD countries will require 13.5 million additional care workers by 2040, while the World Health Organization projects a global shortage of 11 million health and care workers by 2030, creating opportunities for India to emerge as a supplier of trained caregiving professionals.

According to government officials, the proposed National Caregiver Council is likely to function under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with support from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and External Affairs in areas including training, certification and overseas employment.

Report Seeks To Build Skilled Care Economy

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said professionalising caregiving would complement India's traditional family-based care system by providing structured training, counselling, respite care and social support for informal caregivers.

He said the report is intended to initiate a national dialogue and serve as an actionable policy document for governments and stakeholders.

The report said formalising the caregiving sector would improve long-term care for elderly persons, people with disabilities and others requiring assistance while generating skilled employment, increasing women's labour force participation and strengthening India's position as a global provider of trained caregivers.

(KNN Bureau)