NITI Aayog Proposes National Carer Council to Professionalize Caregiving in India

As India marches toward its 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision, the demographic shift toward an aging population, coupled with the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses and disabilities, has brought the 'care economy' to the forefront of policy discourse. NITI Aayog’s latest report, 'Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat @2047,' highlights the critical need to formalize the caregiving workforce, which has historically remained unorganized and largely invisible.

The report identifies a significant gap in the current support ecosystem for individuals unable to perform daily activities. To bridge this, it proposes the establishment of a National Carer Council (NCC). The NCC is envisioned as a regulatory and standard-setting body that would professionalize caregiving services. By creating a structured framework, the council aims to ensure quality standards, provide certification for caregivers, and improve the socio-economic status of those employed in this sector.

Currently, caregiving is predominantly performed by women within the domestic sphere, often without recognition or remuneration. This 'invisible labor' poses challenges to gender equality and economic participation. By professionalizing the sector, the government seeks to transition caregiving from an informal, family-centric burden to a recognized, skilled profession. This shift is expected to generate employment, enhance the quality of life for the elderly and disabled, and provide a robust support system that aligns with the developmental goals of a modernizing India. The proposal emphasizes that a well-regulated care economy is essential for inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development reach the most vulnerable sections of society.