NITI Aayog Report: Reimagining Care in Viksit Bharat@2047
Society & Social Justice · Friday, 7 August 2026
NITI Aayog released a comprehensive report proposing a national strategy to professionalize and regulate the care economy in India. It recommends establishing a National Caregiver Council, standardizing skill qualifications, and developing G2G care worker mobility pathways.
Quick highlights
- Elderly population (60+) in India projected to grow from 149 million (10.5%) in 2022 to 347 million (20.8%) by 2050.
- Indian women spend an average of 299 minutes/day on unpaid care vs. 97 minutes by men.
- Care services market valued at USD 29.62 billion in 2023, expanding at 13.76% CAGR toward USD 72.31 billion by 2030.
- Recommends setting up the National Caregiver Council (NCC) under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- Proposes aligning care qualifications under NSQF and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Context
NITI Aayog released 'Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat@2047', highlighting the imperative to formalize long-term care systems.
Key Facts
India has 26.8 million persons with disabilities and a rapidly aging population. Global models cited include Japan's Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) and Specified Skilled Worker visa, Germany's dual-financing care model, and China's 8-level certification framework.
Significance
Formalizing caregiving transitions unpaid domestic work into formal employment, enhances women's labor force participation, and opens international G2G placement channels.
Challenges / Way Forward
Absence of an apex regulatory body and lack of social security for care workers cause burnout. Way forward is creating the National Caregiver Council, implementing fair minimum wages, and providing caregiver respite facilities.
Exam Angle
Highly relevant for GS Paper I (Society - Women & Demographics), GS Paper II (Social Justice, Vulnerable Sections), and GS Paper III (Employment).
Remember this
- India's 60+ population will reach 347 million (20.8%) by 2050.
- Time Use Survey: Women spend 299 mins/day on unpaid care vs 97 mins by men.
- National Caregiver Council proposed under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- RPwD Act, 2016 recognizes 21 benchmark disability categories.
- Japan pioneered mandatory Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) in 2000.
Background reading
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