Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 6: India should develop a skilled and organised caregiving workforce to meet rising domestic demand while positioning itself as a global provider of affordable care services, according to a new report released by NITI Aayog. The report identifies caregiving as a growing employment opportunity and outlines measures to build a professional, accessible and future-ready care ecosystem.
The report highlights the increasing need to create a trained cadre of caregivers capable of addressing present and future care requirements across the country while also preparing Indian professionals for opportunities in the global caregiving sector. It places caregivers at the centre of the care ecosystem and recognises caregiving as a skilled, dignified and valued profession.
According to the report, emphasis has been placed on improving the quality of care through professional recognition of caregivers, workforce welfare, institutional support and measures that enable families and communities to access reliable and affordable care services.
Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, said the rising global demand for caregivers presents India with an opportunity to emerge as a global leader in traditional caregiving. He said such a move could generate substantial economic value, create employment opportunities, strengthen recognition and social security for caregivers, and reinforce India’s cultural and knowledge-based soft power.
Lahiri said the report provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen institutional convergence, empower both family and professional caregivers, and establish India as a global hub for skilled caregiving services.
The report also presents an overview of India’s existing caregiving ecosystem and recommends measures for building an organised, professional and accessible system capable of meeting future requirements.
R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, said the values of “Seva” and “Samvedana” have long formed part of India’s civilisational ethos and are reflected in the practice of caregiving. He said a robust caregiving ecosystem would strengthen social inclusion, build a caring society, empower communities, create quality livelihoods and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The report groups its recommendations under several strategic pillars, including policy reforms, professional recognition of caregivers, workforce development, global cooperation, social security, and family and community-based care.
Among its key recommendations, the report proposes the formulation of a National Policy on Caregiving and the establishment of a National Caregiver Council as part of a roadmap for creating an organised and professional caregiving ecosystem in the country.
