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The Supreme Court allowed a petitioner to approach the government about creating a dedicated Ministry for senior citizens.
The Court, led by Justice P.S. Narasimha, clarified it cannot order the creation of such a Ministry but suggested the petitioner represent their case to the government.
The petition emphasized India’s aging population, and the need for a dedicated Ministry to manage issues like healthcare, pensions, and financial assistance for the elderly.
Citing the India Ageing Report 2023, the petition highlighted that 149 million people aged 60 and above make up 10.5% of India’s population, a vulnerable group that needs attention under Article 21 (right to a dignified life).
The petitioner warned that failure to address the needs of senior citizens could negatively impact health, economy, and society at large.
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