The government recently launched an innovative online employment exchange platform, designed specifically to provide job opportunities for senior citizens. The Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) portal is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This landmark move coincides with the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually on October 1st.
Key Features of the SACRED Portal
The SACRED platform is open to citizens who are 60 years old or above. It offers a broad range of jobs and work opportunities tailored to the skills and experiences of the elderly. But beyond serving as a job-finding platform for seniors, it also caters to employers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), skill-building agencies for the elderly, and other relevant individuals or agencies.
For its establishment and upkeep, the government has earmarked Rs. 10 Cr for the platform’s development. To ensure its sustainability, an additional maintenance grant of Rs. 2 Cr per year for five years has been set aside. The platform’s architecture was based on recommendations from the Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) report on startups for the elderly.
The Rising Need for Employment Among Senior Citizens
India is experiencing a significant increase in its elderly population, thereby escalating the need for a holistic support ecosystem tailored to their needs. Today, the country is home to over 110 million elders aged 60 and above. As projected by the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI), the numbers will skyrocket to 319 million by 2050 from the current count of 120 million.
Moreover, according to the LASI report 2020, more than half of the senior citizens remain active. Businesses can harness this pool of experienced, dedicated seniors looking for stable employment opportunities.
Other Recent Initiatives for Senior Citizens
Alongside the SACRED portal, the government has launched other initiatives to support its ageing population. The first initiative was setting up a toll-free helpline number (14567), the Elder Line. It operates across the country serving as an emergency response service for senior citizens.
Additionally, the Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine (SAGE) Portal was introduced that works as a “one-stop access” area. The portal offers elderly care products and services from certified startups.
International Day of Older Persons – Theme 2021: ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’
The United Nations General Assembly announced the theme for the International Day of Older Persons in 2021 as ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’. Furthermore, the period spanning 2021-2030 has been declared the Decade of Healthy Aging, pointing towards a global focus on improving the overall wellbeing of the elderly.
