Project brief - The rapidly increasing trend of population ageing has become a critical development concern globally. India is moving

towards an increasingly ageing population and as per Census 2011, out of a total population of 1210 million, 103 million (8.6%) are above the age of 60 and 11 million are over 80 years of age. By the end of the century, the elderly will constitute nearly 34 percent of the total population in the country.

Rajasthan is one state where though ageing has not hit in relative terms, old age in absolute terms has reached a peak stage. While the elderly in Rajasthan have always held a respectable social status, the demographic changes happening in the state are resulting in the erosion of the family value systems and social cohesion where the elderly traditionally held a strong sway. This has created severe challenges for the elderly population of the state.

The elderly population of Karauli, a backward district in the state, face severe challenges which compound their vulnerabilities and impact their quality of lives. They face critical challenges which result in the violation of their basic rights, undermine their financial security and affect their social relationships.

The project, supported by National Stock Exchange Foundation India (NSE), will focus on improving the status of the elderly as a critical social and economic resource by enhancing recognition of their immense knowledge base and their life experiences; and reviving the intergenerational linkages and social relationships which are critical for the welfare of the elderly. The project will also work towards building social support structures for responsive care of the elderly people at the community level while also working on enhancing their access to rights-based entitlements.

Project Objectives

• Enhancing economic security coverage to reduce the economic vulnerability of the elderly in 289 villages
• Developing community based elderly support system through strengthening of intergenerational linkages and elder for elder support mechanisms in 289 villages
• Creating opportunities for the rural elderly to raise their voices at different forums so that issues pertaining to elderly people are appropriately addressed
• Collaborate and necessary support with other PARTNERS/ORGANISATIONS partners of NSE for health and other wellness activities by actively participating and providing necessary field support

Impact of Project

•  Operational area of the project spreads over 289 villages of 69 Gram Panchyats in Karauli, Masalpur & Mandrail blocks of Karauli district
• 212 Elderly Self-Help Groups (ESHGs) have been formed
• Elderly clubs have also been formed in 172 villages
• Youth support Groups have been formed in 183 villages