Relevance: TGPSC: Telangana Culture, Handicrafts, GI Tags, Regional Economy,
For Prelims:
- Karimnagar Silver Filigree, Tarkashi, GI Tag, SIFKA, Nakkashi Metalcraft, Qutb Shahis, Asaf Jahis, Handicrafts, Artisan Livelihoods.
For Mains:
- Cultural Heritage, GI-Tagged Crafts, Artisan Economy, Traditional Knowledge, Market Crisis, Heritage Preservation, Livelihood Security, Craft Tourism.
Why in News?
The Karimnagar Silver Filigree industry, a GI-tagged traditional craft of Telangana, is facing a serious crisis due to a steep rise in silver prices. Silver prices have increased by nearly 260% over five years, reducing sales and affecting artisan incomes.
Customers are increasingly buying silver as bullion, coins and ingots for investment rather than purchasing handcrafted filigree items. As a result, business has reportedly fallen by nearly 50%, making it difficult for artisans to sustain their livelihoods.
What is Karimnagar Silver Filigree?
- Karimnagar Silver Filigree is a traditional silver craft of Telangana.
- It is also known as Tarkashi.
- The craft involves making delicate designs using thin silver wires.
- Artisans create items such as:
- Peacocks, Deer, Elephants, Ships, Veenas, Kumkum Bharani, Jewellery boxes Decorative gift items
- The craft is known for its fine jali work, lightness, detailing and artistic finish.
Historical Background
- Filigree work has a long global history.
- Archaeological findings show that filigree was used in ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BC.
- It reached a high level of perfection in Greek and Etruscan filigree between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC.
- In India and Central Asia, filigree has been practised for a long time with continuity in designs and techniques.
- Karimnagar Silver Filigree is believed to be around 400–450 years old.
- The craft is linked with:
- Mughals
- Qutb Shahis
- Asaf Jahis
- Nizams
- Elgandal Fort, near Karimnagar, was historically connected with metal craft traditions and armoury-related skills.
- Skilled craftsmen from different regions settled in the area and taught metal craft to local artisan
GI Tag and Cultural Importance
- Karimnagar Silver Filigree received the Geographical Indication tag in 2007.
- The GI tag recognises its regional identity and traditional craftsmanship.
- The craft represents:
- Telangana’s cultural heritage
- Traditional metalwork knowledge
- Artisan skill
- Regional identity
- Handmade luxury craft tradition
- Silver filigree items are often passed down as heirlooms across generations.
Present Crisis
- The sharp rise in silver prices has made filigree products very expensive.
- Example:
- A silver filigree veena weighing 467 grams now costs around ₹1.58 lakh with GST.
- A year earlier, it cost around ₹90,000.
- A handcrafted peacock that earlier cost around ₹38,900 later rose to nearly ₹96,800.
- Buyers are avoiding handcrafted items because the cost has become too high.
- Many customers prefer silver coins and ingots because they see them as better investments.
Impact on Artisans
- Sales have fallen sharply.
- Artisans are struggling to get regular work.
- Making charges have reduced, affecting profit margins.
- Larger artistic pieces are becoming difficult to produce because of high raw material cost.
- Smaller and lighter items take more time but offer lower returns.
- Traditional artisans are forced to reduce margins to keep the craft alive.
Link with Nakkashi Metalcraft
- The crisis has also affected Nakkashi metalcraft makers from the same region.
- Nakkashi is another traditional craft associated with Telangana.
- It recently gained visibility when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Nakkashi box to UAE Queen Mother Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi.
- This shows the diplomatic and cultural value of Telangana’s traditional crafts.
Challenges
- Sharp rise in silver prices.
- Decline in customer demand.
- Buyers shifting from artistic products to bullion investment.
- Reduced profit margins for artisans.
- Lack of consistent market support.
- Difficulty in producing larger artistic pieces.
- High GST-inclusive retail prices.
- Limited awareness among younger consumers.
- Risk of younger generations leaving the craft.
Way Forward
- Promote smaller and affordable filigree products for wider markets.
- Create special craft clusters and marketing support for artisans.
- Provide working capital support during raw material price rise.
- Promote Karimnagar Silver Filigree through tourism circuits and museums.
- Expand online marketing and GI branding.
- Encourage corporate gifting and government procurement of GI-tagged crafts.
- Provide design training without affecting traditional techniques.
- Support artisans through social security, credit access and skill transmission.
- Organise exhibitions in India and abroad to attract premium buyers.
Conclusion
Karimnagar Silver Filigree is not only a craft but also a living cultural tradition of Telangana. The sharp rise in silver prices has created a serious livelihood crisis for artisans and reduced demand for handcrafted items.
To protect this GI-tagged heritage, there is a need for market support, design innovation, affordable product lines and stronger promotion. Preserving the craft means protecting both Telangana’s cultural identity and the livelihoods of artisan families.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Karimnagar Silver Filigree, consider the following statements:
- It is a traditional silver craft of Telangana.
- It is also known as Tarkashi.
- It received the Geographical Indication tag in 2007.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Karimnagar Silver Filigree is a traditional craft of Telangana.
- Statement 2 is correct: It is also called Tarkashi.
- Statement 3 is correct: It received the GI tag in 2007.
FAQs
1. What is Karimnagar Silver Filigree?
Karimnagar Silver Filigree is a traditional silver craft of Telangana made using thin silver wires.
2. What is another name for Silver Filigree?
It is also known as Tarkashi.
3. When did Karimnagar Silver Filigree get GI tag?
It received the Geographical Indication tag in 2007.
4. Why is the craft in crisis?
The craft is facing crisis due to a steep rise in silver prices and falling demand for handcrafted silver items.
5. What products are made under this craft?
Products include peacocks, deer, elephants, ships, veenas, kumkum boxes, jewellery boxes and decorative items.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper III: Indian Economy, external sector, Balance of Payments, exchange rate, monetary policy, financial stability.
For Prelims:
- Rupee Depreciation, Exchange Rate, Forex Market, Foreign Exchange Reserves, RBI Intervention, Import Cover, Trade Deficit, Current Account, Capital Account, Balance of Payments
For Mains:
- Managed float exchange rate, external sector vulnerability, financial stability, export competitiveness, import dependence, capital outflows, macroeconomic stability, rupee defence dilemma
Why in News?
The sharp fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has revived a major economic debate: should the Reserve Bank of India defend the rupee by using foreign exchange reserves, or should it allow the rupee to fall and find its market level?
The RBI’s broad approach has been to reduce excessive volatility and maintain orderly market conditions, rather than fix the rupee at a particular exchange rate. A BIS paper on India’s foreign exchange intervention also notes that RBI intervention is aimed at cushioning volatility without targeting any specific exchange rate.
Basic Concept: Why Does the Rupee Fall?
The rupee’s value depends on the demand and supply of rupees and dollars in the foreign exchange market.
When Indians need more dollars than foreigners need rupees, the demand for dollars rises. This can happen when:
- India imports more goods and services.
- Foreign investors withdraw money from Indian markets.
- Indians invest or spend more abroad.
- Crude oil prices rise and India needs more dollars for oil imports.
In such a situation, the rupee weakens against the dollar. This means more rupees are required to buy one dollar.
For example, if the exchange rate moves from ₹80 per dollar to ₹85 per dollar, the rupee has depreciated. It has become weaker because Indians now need ₹85 instead of ₹80 to buy one dollar.
How Does RBI Defend the Rupee?
The RBI holds foreign exchange reserves, mainly in the form of foreign currency assets, gold, Special Drawing Rights and reserve position in the IMF. India’s foreign exchange reserves increased to about USD 701.4 billion as of 16 January 2026, and were sufficient to cover around 11 months of goods imports, according to a PIB release.
When the rupee falls sharply, RBI can sell dollars from its reserves in the forex market.
This does two things:
- It increases the supply of dollars.
- It absorbs excess rupees from the market.
As a result, the pressure on the rupee may reduce temporarily. This process is commonly called defending the rupee.
Why Defending the Rupee is Difficult
1. Forex Reserves are Limited
- Foreign exchange reserves are useful, but they are not unlimited. RBI cannot keep selling dollars continuously because India needs reserves to pay for essential imports such as crude oil, machinery, defence equipment and edible oils.
- Policymakers generally prefer a comfortable level of import cover, which means enough reserves to pay for several months of imports.
2. India’s Forex Quality is a Concern
- A large part of India’s foreign exchange inflow comes through foreign investment, not through a strong trade surplus. This is important because foreign investment can leave India quickly if investors lose confidence.
- In contrast, countries with large trade surpluses earn dollars by exporting more than they import. Such reserves are relatively stronger because they are based on export earnings.
3. Capital Outflows Can Put Pressure on the Rupee
- If foreign investors sell Indian stocks or bonds and take money out of India, they convert rupees into dollars. This increases dollar demand and weakens the rupee.
- Recent reports also show that Indian banks have approached the RBI for support to raise dollar funding, as the rupee faced pressure due to factors such as foreign outflows and higher crude oil prices.
4. Defence May Only Delay the Fall
- RBI intervention may help in the short term by preventing disorderly movement. But if the underlying causes remain weak, such as high imports, weak exports or capital outflows, the rupee may still fall later.
Why Simply Allowing the Rupee to Fall May Not Work
Many economists argue that a weaker rupee can help exports and reduce imports. In theory, this seems logical.
A weaker rupee makes Indian goods cheaper for foreigners. It also makes imports costlier for Indians. Therefore, exports should rise and imports should fall.
However, in India’s case, this may not work fully.
1. Many Exports Depend on Imports
- A large part of India’s exports uses imported raw materials, components or intermediate goods.
- For example, if an Indian company imports electronic parts and then exports finished products, a weaker rupee increases the cost of imported parts. So the benefit of cheaper exports may be reduced.
2. India is Often a Price-Taker
- In many sectors like textiles, India competes with countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Indian exporters may not be able to increase profits simply because the rupee has weakened.
- Foreign buyers may ask Indian exporters to reduce dollar prices, arguing that they are already gaining from rupee depreciation.
3. Depreciation Can Create More Depreciation
- If importers expect the rupee to fall further, they may buy more dollars immediately. This raises dollar demand and weakens the rupee further.
- Similarly, exporters may delay bringing dollars into India because they expect to get more rupees later. This reduces dollar supply in the market.
- Thus, a falling rupee can sometimes create a cycle of further depreciation.
4. Foreign Investment May Decline
- Foreign investors calculate returns in dollar terms. If Indian stock markets give good returns but the rupee falls sharply, the actual return for a foreign investor becomes lower.
- For example, if an Indian investment gives 10% return, but the rupee loses 5% value, the foreign investor’s effective return may reduce to around 5% in dollar terms.
- This may discourage fresh foreign investment and increase pressure on India’s Balance of Payments.
Significance for India
1. Impact on Inflation
- A weaker rupee makes imports costlier. Since India imports large quantities of crude oil, edible oils, fertilisers and electronic goods, rupee depreciation can increase domestic prices.
- This is called imported inflation.
2. Impact on Consumers
- Foreign education, foreign travel, imported goods and fuel can become costlier when the rupee weakens.
- For example, an Indian student studying in the US will need more rupees to pay the same dollar fee.
3. Impact on Industries
- Industries that depend on imported raw materials may face higher production costs. This can reduce profits or increase prices for consumers.
4. Impact on Exports
- Some exporters may benefit from a weaker rupee, but only if their import dependence is low and they have pricing power in global markets.
5. Impact on Financial Stability
- Sharp currency movements can create uncertainty for importers, exporters, investors and banks. RBI intervention is important mainly to prevent disorderly and sudden movements.
Challenges
1. High Import Dependence
- India depends heavily on imported crude oil, gold, electronics, fertilisers and critical minerals. This keeps dollar demand high.
2. Weak Export Competitiveness
- A weaker rupee alone cannot boost exports unless India improves quality, logistics, productivity and global market access.
3. Volatile Capital Flows
- Foreign portfolio investment can enter and leave quickly. This creates uncertainty in the forex market.
4. Limited Policy Space
- If RBI uses too much forex to defend the rupee, reserves may decline. If it does not intervene, the rupee may fall sharply. This creates a difficult policy choice.
5. Imported Inflation
- A sharp fall in the rupee can make essential imports costlier and increase inflationary pressure.
Way Forward
- India needs a balanced approach. The RBI should not try to maintain an artificial exchange rate, but it should intervene when the rupee movement becomes disorderly.
- The government must focus on strengthening the real economy. This includes improving export competitiveness, reducing avoidable imports and attracting stable long-term investments.
- India should promote domestic manufacturing in areas such as electronics, semiconductors, solar equipment, defence production and critical minerals. This can reduce import dependence over time.
- Exporters should be supported through better logistics, lower compliance burden, trade agreements and quality infrastructure.
- Foreign exchange reserves should be used carefully as a buffer, not as a permanent solution. A strong rupee ultimately depends on a strong economy, competitive exports and stable capital inflows.
Conclusion
The debate on whether to defend the rupee or allow it to fall has no simple answer. Defending the rupee can help in the short term by reducing volatility, but it cannot solve deeper structural weaknesses. Similarly, allowing the rupee to fall freely may not automatically improve exports and may even worsen inflation and capital outflows.
Therefore, India needs a managed and balanced exchange rate policy. The RBI should ensure orderly market conditions, while the government should focus on improving exports, reducing import dependence and strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of the Indian rupee? (2019)
(a) Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports
(b) Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee-denominated Masala Bonds
(c) Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing
(d) Following an expansionary monetary policy
Ans: (d)
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following items in the context of factors that may weaken the rupee:
- Rise in crude oil imports
- Foreign portfolio investors withdrawing money from India
- Increase in dollar demand by importers
- Strong rise in India’s exports without rise in imports
Which of the above can weaken the rupee?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Item 1 is correct: Crude oil imports require dollars. Higher oil imports raise dollar demand.
- Item 2 is correct: When foreign investors withdraw money, they sell rupees and buy dollars.
- Item 3 is correct: Higher dollar demand by importers puts pressure on the rupee.
- Item 4 is incorrect: A strong rise in exports increases dollar inflows and may support the rupee.
Additional Information:
The rupee is influenced by both the current account and the capital account of the Balance of Payments.
Q. Which of the following best explains “import cover”?
A. The value of India’s exports compared to its imports
B. The number of months for which foreign exchange reserves can pay for imports
C. The difference between fiscal deficit and revenue deficit
D. The amount of foreign investment entering the stock market
Answer: B
Explanation:
Import cover shows how many months of imports can be financed using a country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Additional Information:
A higher import cover gives confidence that the country can manage external payments during global uncertainty.
FAQs
1. What is rupee depreciation?
Rupee depreciation means the rupee loses value against another currency, usually the US dollar.
2. How does RBI defend the rupee?
RBI may sell dollars from its foreign exchange reserves to increase dollar supply and reduce pressure on the rupee.
3. Does RBI fix the rupee-dollar exchange rate?
No. RBI does not officially target a fixed exchange rate. It mainly tries to prevent excessive volatility.
4. Why is rupee depreciation a concern?
It can make imports costlier, increase inflation, reduce investor confidence and raise the cost of foreign education and travel.
5. Can a weaker rupee help exports?
It can help some exporters, but not always. If exports depend on imported inputs or if India has weak pricing power, the benefit may be limited.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper II: Governance, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, health, social justice
For Prelims:
- Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department, Kerala State Elderly Commission, Demographic Transition, Old Age Dependency Ratio, Total Fertility Rate, Geriatric Care, Vayomithram, Samayaprabha, Palliative Care Grid, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
For Mains:
- Ageing population, care economy, elderly feminisation, social security, healthcare burden, migration and elderly isolation, active ageing, dignified ageing, geriatric infrastructure
Why in News?
Kerala has announced the formation of a separate department for the welfare of elderly people. It is considered the first such initiative in India. At present, elderly welfare in the State comes under the Social Welfare Department.
The decision has been taken because Kerala is India’s most rapidly ageing State. Kerala has already set up the Kerala State Elderly Commission, a quasi-judicial body for the welfare and protection of senior citizens. The official Kerala Social Justice Department states that the Commission can issue guidelines and recommendations for the welfare and safety of senior citizens.
Kerala’s Ageing Profile
Kerala is passing through an advanced stage of demographic transition. This means the State has low birth rates, high life expectancy and a rising share of elderly people.
According to the news, around 16.5% of Kerala’s population is above the age of 60 years. This is expected to increase to 20.9% by 2031, compared with the all-India figure of 13.1%.
A PIB release also notes that Kerala is expected to see its elderly population rise from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036, making it one of India’s oldest States in demographic terms.
The old age dependency ratio in Kerala has also increased. It rose from 19.6% in 2011 to 26.1% in 2021 and is expected to reach 34.3% by 2031.
What is Old Age Dependency Ratio?
The old age dependency ratio means the number of elderly persons for every 100 persons in the working-age group.
A higher ratio means that fewer working-age people have to support more elderly persons. This creates pressure on families, healthcare systems, pension systems and social welfare schemes.
For example, if the old age dependency ratio is 26, it means there are 26 elderly persons for every 100 working-age persons.
Why Kerala is Ageing Fast
1. Low Fertility Rate
- Kerala’s Total Fertility Rate has declined sharply. As per State Vital Statistics data mentioned in the news, Kerala’s TFR was 1.35 children per woman in 2023.
- This is below the replacement level of 2.1, which is the level required for a population to replace itself across generations.
2. High Life Expectancy
- Kerala has better healthcare facilities, high literacy and strong public health systems. As a result, people live longer.
- The news notes that female life expectancy in Kerala is around 78.4 years, while male life expectancy is around 71.9 years.
3. Migration of Working-Age Population
- A large number of young and working-age people from Kerala migrate to other countries and States for employment.
- Many elderly parents are left behind in villages and towns. This creates households where senior citizens live alone or with limited family support.
4. Return Migration
- Many Keralites who migrate to West Asian countries return after retirement or after they are no longer of working age. This also increases the elderly population in the State.
Geography and Demography of Ageing
Ageing in Kerala is not uniform. It has both rural and gender dimensions.
The India Ageing Report 2023 observed that Kerala has a high share of elderly population, especially in rural areas. According to the news, around 17.5% of Kerala’s rural population is aged 60 and above, compared with 15.4% in urban areas.
This is mainly due to outmigration of younger people from rural areas.
Kerala also has more elderly women than elderly men, especially in higher age groups. Among people aged 80 years and above, the sex ratio is around 1,651 women per 1,000 men.
This shows the feminisation of ageing. Many elderly women, especially widows, face social isolation, financial insecurity and health problems.
Health Concerns of the Elderly
Kerala’s ageing population has created a major health challenge. The State now has to shift from general healthcare to specialised geriatric care.
According to the news, more than 70% of Kerala’s elderly suffer from at least one chronic ailment. Common diseases include:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Dementia
- Psychological distress
The India Ageing Report 2023 also highlights the need to address social security and institutional support for India’s elderly population.
The Kerala State Initiative on Dementia, Smruthipadham, estimates that around 4.86% of persons aged 65 and above are affected by dementia. This shows the need for dementia care, caregiver training and public awareness.
Existing Welfare Measures in Kerala
Kerala has already introduced several welfare initiatives for senior citizens.
1. Kerala State Elderly Commission
- In 2025, Kerala formed a State Elderly Commission. It is a quasi-judicial forum to protect the rights and welfare of senior citizens.
- The Kerala State Elderly Commission Act, 2025 defines an elderly person as one who has completed 60 years of age.
2. Welfare Pension Coverage
- Around 75% of Kerala’s aged population is covered under welfare pension schemes, according to the news.
3. Vayomithram
- Vayomithram provides mobile medical care and social support to elderly persons. It is especially important for senior citizens in urban and semi-urban areas.
4. Samayaprabha
- Samayaprabha is a daycare initiative for elderly people. It provides daytime support and care for senior citizens.
5. Kerala Care Palliative Grid
- Kerala has formed the Kerala Care Palliative Grid in collaboration with the Digital University Kerala.
- The news notes that around 1.5 lakh bedridden people and another 4 lakh ailing persons are getting support through the palliative care grid, which includes government institutions and NGOs.
Significance of the New Department
1. Focused Governance
- A separate department can give direct administrative attention to elderly welfare. It can coordinate health, pension, social security, palliative care and legal protection.
2. Better Geriatric Care
- Kerala needs more geriatricians, trained nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. A dedicated department can plan specialised healthcare for senior citizens.
3. Strengthening the Care Economy
- The care economy includes services such as home care, nursing, daycare, rehabilitation, assisted living and palliative care.
- Kerala can use this sector to create employment while also supporting elderly people.
4. Protection of Elderly Women
- Elderly women, especially widows and those living alone, need special support. The new department can frame gender-sensitive welfare policies.
5. Reducing Elderly Isolation
- Migration has left many senior citizens without regular family support. Community-based care, day centres and social support systems can reduce loneliness and psychological distress.
Challenges
1. Shortage of Trained Workforce
- In 2023, Kerala had around 120 geriatricians, 600 nurses trained in elderly care, 400 physiotherapists and 50 occupational therapists.
- By 2030, the State may need nearly 300 geriatricians, 1,500 nurses, 900 physiotherapists and 250 occupational therapists.
2. Rising Healthcare Costs
- Chronic diseases, dementia care, palliative care and long-term treatment can increase the financial burden on families and the State.
3. Elderly Living Alone
- Migration has created many households with only aged parents. This increases the risk of loneliness, neglect and delayed medical care.
4. Financial Distress
- Many elderly persons continue to work due to financial need. The news notes that among MGNREGS workers in Kerala, around 38% are aged between 61 and 80, and another 1% are above 81.
5. Institutional Capacity
- A new department will require proper staff, budget, district-level offices, data systems and coordination with local self-governments.
Way Forward
- Kerala should prepare a long-term State Ageing Action Plan with clear targets for health, housing, pensions, caregiver support and social participation.
- The State should expand geriatric departments in government hospitals and train more doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and caregivers.
- Community-based care should be strengthened through local self-governments, Kudumbashree groups, ASHA workers and NGOs.
- The government should promote elderly-friendly infrastructure such as ramps, public toilets, safe transport, day-care centres and accessible health facilities.
- Special attention should be given to elderly women, widows, persons with disabilities, dementia patients and senior citizens living alone.
- Kerala should also develop the silver economy, which includes products and services for elderly persons, such as assistive devices, home care, telemedicine and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Kerala’s decision to form a separate department for elderly welfare is a timely and important step. The State is facing rapid demographic ageing due to low fertility, high life expectancy and large-scale migration.
The new department can help Kerala move from welfare-based elderly support to a comprehensive model of dignified ageing, geriatric care and social protection. If implemented effectively, Kerala can become a model for India in managing the challenges of an ageing society.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to Kerala’s ageing population, consider the following statements:
- Kerala is one of India’s most rapidly ageing States.
- Kerala’s Total Fertility Rate is below the replacement level.
- Outmigration of working-age people has contributed to elderly isolation in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Kerala has a high and rapidly increasing share of elderly population.
- Statement 2 is correct: Kerala’s TFR is below the replacement level of 2.1.
- Statement 3 is correct: Migration of working-age people has left many elderly parents living alone.
Additional Information: Kerala’s ageing profile is similar to some East Asian and European societies, where low fertility and high life expectancy have increased the elderly population.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following initiatives in the context of elderly welfare in Kerala:
- Vayomithram
- Samayaprabha
- Kerala Care Palliative Grid
- Smruthipadham
Which of the above are related to elderly care or support?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Vayomithram provides mobile medical care and support to elderly persons.
- Samayaprabha is a daycare initiative for senior citizens.
- Kerala Care Palliative Grid supports palliative care services.
- Smruthipadham is linked to dementia care and awareness.
Additional Information:
Elderly welfare requires a mix of healthcare, social security, community support and legal protection
FAQs
1. Why has Kerala announced a separate department for elderly welfare?
Kerala has announced it because the State has a rapidly ageing population and needs focused policies for elderly health, care and social security.
2. What is demographic transition?
Demographic transition refers to the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates. It often leads to a higher share of elderly population.
3. What is geriatric care?
Geriatric care means specialised healthcare for elderly people, including treatment of chronic diseases, dementia, mobility issues and mental health problems.
4. What is the Kerala State Elderly Commission?
It is a quasi-judicial body created to protect the rights, welfare and safety of senior citizens.
5. Why is elderly welfare important for India?
India’s elderly population is increasing. Proper elderly welfare is necessary for social justice, healthcare planning, family support and dignified ageing.
