The Role Of The National Human Rights Commission In The Protection Of Elderly Rights In India
- IJLLR Journal
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Noorain Iqbal, Delhi Metropolitan Education, GGSIPU
ABSTRACT
As India grows older, protecting the dignity and rights of its senior citizens has become more urgent than ever. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), set up in 1993, has played a key role in shifting the way the country views ageing- from a welfare issue to a matter of human rights. Through its Core Group on Elderly Welfare, the NHRC works with the government, NGOs, and experts to improve policies, ensure access to healthcare and pensions, and promote respect for elders in families and communities.
It has taken action through advisories during the COVID-19 crisis, interventions in cases of neglect, and national conferences that push for active ageing, digital inclusion, and better community care. Yet, the Commission still faces hurdles like limited powers, weak enforcement, and lack of awareness.
This paper highlights the NHRC’s evolving role in safeguarding elderly rights, its collaborative initiatives, and the pressing need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and public awareness. The NHRC’s work reminds us that ageing with dignity isn’t just about policy but about empathy and shared responsibility. Building a society that values its elders is one of the truest tests of our humanity.
Keywords: Elderly, Human rights, NHRC, senior citizen
