The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, in association with NITI Aayog, and the state government, hosted a day-long workshop on ‘Care Services for India and Beyond’ at IIM Shillong.
The workshop brought together approximately 150 delegates from across the globe to discuss and develop strategies for addressing the caregiving needs of India’s aging population.
The workshop was graced by the presence of several distinguished leaders and experts. KS Rejimon, Joint Secretary of NITI Aayog, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of addressing the caregiving needs of India’s aging population.
VK Paul, member of NITI Aayog, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to enhance caregiver services and support the aging population, a press release stated today. Prof DP Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in developing innovative solutions for the care economy.
Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting caregivers and ensuring the dignity of older persons. Israel W Ingty, Secretary in Meghalaya’ Department of Social Welfare, discussed regional initiatives and the importance of localised strategies for effective caregiving.
The workshop featured technical sessions with 21 presentations covering various aspects of caregiving, including state initiatives, capacity building, international best practices and the future of care services in India. The discussions aimed to develop a robust roadmap for nurturing caregivers, creating job opportunities and adapting global models to the Indian context.
Key takeaways from the workshop included a comprehensive analysis of caregiving services in India, identifying gaps and challenges. Participants called for a robust ecosystem that meets the needs of the aging population while ensuring the well-being and dignity of older persons.
The workshop also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among stakeholders, fostering collaboration and focusing on policy development. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on enhancing the skills, confidence, and well-being of professional caregivers through targeted training programmes.
