Niti Aayog proposes national caregiving policy, regulator to build India's care economy

Summary

New Delhi: Niti Aayog has called for a National Policy on Caregiving to formalize and professionalize the sector in India, recommending the creation of a regulatory body, a professional caregiver cadre and a national digital platform to support caregivers and care seekers. The recommendations come as India prepares for a sharp rise in demand for long-term care. The ministries of health and family welfare and external affairs are expected to play supporting roles in areas related to healthcare standards, caregiver training and certification and facilitating overseas employment and global mobility of Indian caregivers. Experts urged policymakers to integrate flexible staffing models and nationwide skill benchmarks under the new council to capitalize on India's expanding $20 billion home healthcare market. “​Structured caregiving frameworks are vital for expanding formal employment and also elevating female workforce participation. "As we formalize and professionalize the sector, we must remain grounded in India's deep social care values. The report added that professionalizing caregiving would improve care for older people, those with disabilities and others requiring long-term support while generating skilled employment, increasing women's labour force participation and positioning India as a trusted global provider of trained caregivers. Dhirendra Kumar is a seasoned policy reporter with about 20 years of experience in deep, on-ground reporting across key economic and governance sectors. He has also been a recipient of a fellowship in international trade from the National Press Foundation, which has further strengthened his coverage of global trade dynamics and their implications for India.<br><br>Kumar is known for breaking complex policy developments into clear, accessible stories. His reporting focuses on uncovering under-reported trends, explaining policy shifts, and helping readers stay informed about developments that shape India’s economic landscape. Stay updated with the latest Trending , India , World and US news.