Q. The rising crimes against elderly citizens reflect the changing social fabric of India. Critically examine the multidimensional challenges in ensuring elderly security and suggest comprehensive measures involving legal, administrative, technological and community-based solutions. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Core Demand of the Question

  • Highlight how the rising crimes against elderly citizens reflect the changing social fabric of India. 
  • Examine the multidimensional challenges in ensuring elderly security 
  • Suggest comprehensive measures involving legal, administrative, technological and community-based solutions

Answer

India’s elderly population is projected to reach 319 million by 2050, raising concerns about their safety and well-being. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against senior citizens increased by 9.3% in 2022, with cases rising to 28,545 in 2022. This trend reflects changing family structures, urbanization, and weakening intergenerational bonds, necessitating urgent intervention.

Reflection of Changing Social Fabric in India

  • Breakdown of Joint Families: The shift from joint to nuclear families has left many elderly individuals living alone, increasing their vulnerability to crimes like robbery and financial fraud.
  • Urbanization and Migration: Rapid urbanization has led to migration, with children moving to cities for work, leaving parents isolated and more prone to physical and emotional abuse.
  • Erosion of Traditional Respect for Elders: Previously, elders were respected as knowledge keepers, but modern lifestyles have reduced intergenerational bonding, increasing incidents of neglect and abuse.
    For example: Reports show that more than 50% of elderly abuse cases in India are perpetrated by family members, including financial exploitation.
  • Rise in Cyber Frauds: With more seniors using digital banking and smartphones, cybercriminals exploit their limited tech knowledge, leading to financial losses and identity theft.
  • Weak Social Security Net: Many elderly lack financial independence, making them economically dependent on children or fraudsters, leading to exploitation and distress.
    For example: Over 78% of elderly people in India have no pension or retirement savings, making them more vulnerable to financial frauds and scams.

Multidimensional Challenges in Ensuring Elderly Security

  • Physical and Cognitive Decline: Aging leads to weaker physical strength, memory loss, and slow reflexes, making it difficult for seniors to defend themselves or remember key security details.
  • Limited Awareness of Legal Rights: Many elderly people are unaware of their rights under laws like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007), making it harder for them to seek help.
  • Inefficient Law Enforcement Response: Police often lack sensitivity training for handling elderly victims, leading to delayed or dismissive responses, discouraging seniors from reporting crimes.
  • Social Isolation and Emotional Vulnerability: Many seniors experience loneliness and depression, making them more trusting of strangers, leading to higher chances of emotional and financial abuse.
    For example: According to data from Helpage India, there are approximately at least 112 Million people over the age of 60 in India, and forty per cent of them live alone.

Comprehensive measures involving legal, administrative, technological and community-based solutions

Aspect Measures
Legal Measures Strengthening Elderly Protection Laws: Implement stricter penalties for crimes against senior citizens, including financial fraud and physical abuse, under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. 
Specialized Courts for Elderly Cases: Establish fast-track courts to handle crimes against senior citizens, ensuring quicker justice and reducing case backlog.
For example: The Delhi High Court introduced priority hearings for cases involving elderly victims, reducing delays in justice delivery.
Administrative Measures Dedicated Senior Citizen Security Cells: Establish police units focused on elderly security, similar to Delhi’s model, for regular check-ins, emergency response, and community engagement.
For example: Delhi’s Senior Citizen Security Cell conducts safety audits and awareness programs, reducing crimes against elderly residents.
Mandatory Background Verification: Implement strict verification of domestic workers, drivers, and tenants to prevent crimes against elderly individuals living alone.
For example: Mumbai Police’s ‘Senior Citizen Registration Drive’ ensures verified domestic help, reducing risk of fraud and abuse.
Technological Measures Panic Button and Tracking Devices: Distribute GPS-enabled panic devices to elderly individuals for instant police assistance in emergencies.
For example: Telangana launched the ‘Hawk Eye’ app, allowing elderly citizens to alert police instantly during distress situations.
Fraud Detection Systems: Deploy AI-driven monitoring to track suspicious transactions in elderly bank accounts, preventing financial fraud.
For example: RBI’s directive to banks mandates special alerts for unusual transactions in accounts held by senior citizens.
Community-Based Solutions Intergenerational Engagement Programs: Encourage schools and NGOs to connect students with elderly individuals for emotional and social support.
For example: The ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ initiative  pairs schoolchildren with elderly citizens for regular visits and companionship.
Neighborhood Watch Networks: Form community-led security groups for elderly residents to report suspicious activities and assist in emergencies.

Ensuring the safety and dignity of the elderly demands robust legal safeguards, efficient policing, tech-driven surveillance, and community engagement. Strengthening social security nets, financial literacy, and family values can create a future where senior citizens live without fear, with respect, and care.

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Quick Revise Now !
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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