There is a growing need to develop a cadre of trained caregivers to meet the current and future demand for care services in the country, while also tapping into emerging global opportunities for Indian caregiving professionals, according to a new NITI Aayog report.
The report places caregivers at the centre of the care ecosystem, recognising caregiving as a skilled, dignified and valued profession. It emphasises the need to improve the quality of care, strengthen professional recognition, enhance workforce welfare, provide institutional support, and enable families and communities to access reliable and affordable care services.
Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, said the growing global demand for caregivers presents a unique opportunity for India to emerge as a global leader in traditional caregiving, unlock significant economic value, create employment opportunities, strengthen the recognition and social security of caregivers, and reinforce India’s cultural and knowledge-based soft power.
He said the report provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen institutional convergence, empower both family and professional caregivers, and position India as a global hub for skilled caregiving services.
The report outlines India’s caregiving ecosystem and presents a comprehensive roadmap for building an organised, professional, accessible and future-ready system of care.
According to Dr R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, ‘Seva’ and ‘Samvedana’ have always been at the heart of India’s civilisational ethos, and caregiving reflects these timeless values.
He said a robust caregiving ecosystem would strengthen social inclusion, foster a more caring society, empower communities, create quality livelihoods, and contribute significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The report organises its recommendations around several strategic pillars, including policy, professional recognition of caregivers, workforce development, global cooperation, social security, and family- and community-based care.
It also proposes a roadmap for building an organised and professional caregiving ecosystem through a National Policy on Caregiving and the establishment of a National Caregiver Council, NITI Aayog said.
-IANS
