Odisha Contemplates Revised Senior Citizens Policy: Consultative Meeting Deliberates on Strategic Approaches

Bhubaneswar: A consultative meeting held in Bhubaneswar, organized by the SSEPD Department in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), addressed the formulation of a revised Odisha Senior Citizens Policy. Senior officers, representatives from various organizations, and academicians participated in the discussions, emphasizing key areas for the revision of the State Senior Citizens Policy 2016.

Given the cross-sectoral nature of senior citizens’ issues, the meeting highlighted the need for strategic partnerships across government departments, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, voluntary organizations, civil society, and local communities.

Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary, SSEPD Department, presided over the meeting, noting that Odisha is projected to have approximately 70 lakh senior citizens by 2026. Recognizing the diversity within this demographic, he stressed the State Government’s commitment to prioritizing the development and promotion of participatory processes, critical service delivery, and empathetic initiatives for senior citizens.

The meeting concluded that the revised State Policy for Senior Citizens must address the need for a sustainable support system to reduce poverty and vulnerability while enhancing health and well-being. Strategic interventions, including income security, health security, safety, welfare, intergenerational bonding, and the participatory role of senior citizens in contributing to communities, were discussed.

Key figures present at the meeting included Md. Nadeem Noor, Odisha Head of UNFPA; Dillip K. Roy, Special Secretary of the Department; Jagadanand, Former State Information Commissioner and Social Activist; Prof. Dr. T.V. Sekhar, International Institution of Population Studies, Mumbai; Dr. Sanjeev Bakshi, IGNOU, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh; Prof. Dr. Asima Sahu, Ravenshaw University; Dr. Bidhu Kalyan Mohanty, Director, Bagchi Shrishankar Cancer Centre and Research Institute; Ms. Anupama Datta, Head, Policy Research and Advocacy, HelpAge India, and members of the State Advisory Council for Senior Citizens. Dr. Pramod K. Mallick, Specialist, coordinated the meeting.