To,
Respected Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman ji
Hon’ble Minister of Finance
Government of India
New Delhi
*Subject: Representation of Key Policy and Budgetary Demands of Senior Citizens of India – Budget 2026 2027*
Respected Madam,
On behalf of The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens’ Organisations, Maharashtra—a collective of 28 organisations working since 2012 in the field of senior citizens’ welfare, including NGOs, researchers, academicians, and practitioners—we respectfully submit this representation highlighting the most pressing concerns and demands of senior citizens across India.
India is undergoing a rapid demographic transition. Senior citizens (60+) constitute a growing segment of the population, many of whom face financial vulnerability, rising healthcare and caregiving costs, social isolation, and legal insecurity. Despite their lifelong contribution to the nation, older persons continue to remain under-prioritised in policy and budgetary frameworks.
*In this context, we humbly place before you the following major demands for urgent consideration:*
1. *Full restoration of Indian Railways concession for senior citizens to the pre-COVID level,* recognising mobility as a basic need for healthcare, social inclusion, and dignity.
2. *Withdrawal of 18% GST on Elder Care Services, specifically:*
Sub-Group No. 999322 – Residential Care Services for the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities
Sub-Group No. 999349 – Other social services without accommodation for the elderly & disabled
Elder care is a necessity, not a luxury, and taxing it places undue burden on vulnerable families.
3. *Inclusion of all citizens aged 60 years and above under Ayushman Bharat* – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), irrespective of income, given the universality of age-related health risks.
4. *Universal Old Age Pension of Rs. 3,000 per month for all senior citizens aged 60+* who are non-income-tax payers, with periodic inflation-linked revision.
5. *Formulation and notification of a National Dementia Policy and a National Elder Mental Health Policy*, addressing prevention, early diagnosis, care services, caregiver support, and community-based interventions.
6. *Increase in budgetary allocation for senior citizens to a minimum of 10% of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) budget, along with effective implementation of the National Policy on Senior Citizens.*
7. *Withdrawal of GST on Adult Diapers, Wheel Chairs, Walking Sticks* which are an essential healthcare requirement for many older persons and persons with disabilities.
8. *Passage of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019* in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, to strengthen legal safeguards and enforcement mechanisms.
9. *Inclusion of Adult Vaccination under India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP),* covering vaccines critical for older adults such as influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, and others.
10. *Increase in the Basic Income-Tax Exemption Limit for:*
Senior Citizens (60+) and
Super Senior Citizens (80+)
Considering inflation, healthcare expenses, and declining post-retirement income.
11. *Legislation for Adult Guardianship provisions and simplification of Living Will execution*, making it citizen-friendly and reducing the present medical and bureaucratic complexities.
Madam, these demands are rooted in constitutional values, inter-generational equity, and social justice. Addressing them will not only ensure dignity, security, and wellbeing for senior citizens, but will also prepare India for the realities of an ageing society.
We respectfully seek an opportunity to present these issues in greater detail through a consultation or meeting at your convenience. We remain hopeful of your empathetic and visionary leadership in advancing the cause of senior citizens of India.
Yours sincerely,
Sailesh Mishra – Coordinator
For the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens’ Organisations, Maharashtra (Collective of 28 Organisations since 2012)
CC:
1) PMO
2) MOSJE
3) Railway Minister
4) NITI Aayog
5) Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab MP Lok Sabha
6) Raghav Chadha, MP Rajya Sabha
7) Supriya Sule, MP Lok Sabha
8) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MP Lok Sabha
—
On Behalf of
Joint Action Committee of Senior Citizens Organizations
Date: 26th January 2026
To,
Respected Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman ji
Hon’ble Minister of Finance
Government of India
New Delhi
*Subject: Representation of Key Policy and Budgetary Demands of Senior Citizens of India – Budget 2026 2027*
Respected Madam,
On behalf of The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens’ Organisations, Maharashtra—a collective of 28 organisations working since 2012 in the field of senior citizens’ welfare, including NGOs, researchers, academicians, and practitioners—we respectfully submit this representation highlighting the most pressing concerns and demands of senior citizens across India.
India is undergoing a rapid demographic transition. Senior citizens (60+) constitute a growing segment of the population, many of whom face financial vulnerability, rising healthcare and caregiving costs, social isolation, and legal insecurity. Despite their lifelong contribution to the nation, older persons continue to remain under-prioritised in policy and budgetary frameworks.
*In this context, we humbly place before you the following major demands for urgent consideration:*
1. *Full restoration of Indian Railways concession for senior citizens to the pre-COVID level,* recognising mobility as a basic need for healthcare, social inclusion, and dignity.
2. *Withdrawal of 18% GST on Elder Care Services, specifically:*
Sub-Group No. 999322 – Residential Care Services for the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities
Sub-Group No. 999349 – Other social services without accommodation for the elderly & disabled
Elder care is a necessity, not a luxury, and taxing it places undue burden on vulnerable families.
3. *Inclusion of all citizens aged 60 years and above under Ayushman Bharat* – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), irrespective of income, given the universality of age-related health risks.
4. *Universal Old Age Pension of Rs. 3,000 per month for all senior citizens aged 60+* who are non-income-tax payers, with periodic inflation-linked revision.
5. *Formulation and notification of a National Dementia Policy and a National Elder Mental Health Policy*, addressing prevention, early diagnosis, care services, caregiver support, and community-based interventions.
6. *Increase in budgetary allocation for senior citizens to a minimum of 10% of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) budget, along with effective implementation of the National Policy on Senior Citizens.*
7. *Withdrawal of GST on Adult Diapers, Wheel Chairs, Walking Sticks* which are an essential healthcare requirement for many older persons and persons with disabilities.
8. *Passage of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019* in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, to strengthen legal safeguards and enforcement mechanisms.
9. *Inclusion of Adult Vaccination under India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP),* covering vaccines critical for older adults such as influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, and others.
10. *Increase in the Basic Income-Tax Exemption Limit for:*
Senior Citizens (60+) and
Super Senior Citizens (80+)
Considering inflation, healthcare expenses, and declining post-retirement income.
11. *Legislation for Adult Guardianship provisions and simplification of Living Will execution*, making it citizen-friendly and reducing the present medical and bureaucratic complexities.
Madam, these demands are rooted in constitutional values, inter-generational equity, and social justice. Addressing them will not only ensure dignity, security, and wellbeing for senior citizens, but will also prepare India for the realities of an ageing society.
We respectfully seek an opportunity to present these issues in greater detail through a consultation or meeting at your convenience. We remain hopeful of your empathetic and visionary leadership in advancing the cause of senior citizens of India.
Yours sincerely,
Sailesh Mishra – Coordinator
For the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens’ Organisations, Maharashtra (Collective of 28 Organisations since 2012)
CC:
1) PMO
2) MOSJE
3) Railway Minister
4) NITI Aayog
5) Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab MP Lok Sabha
6) Raghav Chadha, MP Rajya Sabha
7) Supriya Sule, MP Lok Sabha
8) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MP Lok Sabha
—
On Behalf of
Joint Action Committee of Senior Citizens Organizations