Integrated Programme for Older People (IPOP)

Integrated Programme for Older People (IPOP) is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to improve the quality of life of Older Persons in the country.

The main objective of the IPOP Scheme is to provide basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building of Government/ Non-Governmental Organisations/Panchayati Raj Institutions/ local bodies and the Community at large. Assistance under the scheme will be given to the Panchayati Raj Institutions/local bodies and eligible Non-Governmental Voluntary Organisations.

UPSC aspirants can also get a comprehensive List of Government Schemes in India at the linked article.

This is an important topic from the IAS Exam perspective and questions based on the same may be asked in the upcoming Civil Services Exam.

Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP):-Download Notes PDF Here

About the IPOP Scheme

• The Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP) is a scheme implemented by the government since 1992
• Under the Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP), the Government of India provides support for capacity building of different NGOs, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies
• Many NGOs and Organisations across the country run Old Age Homes and shelters for the senior citizens of the country. The Government helps these organisations financially to ensure the smooth functioning of these initiatives
• The scheme has been made flexible as it tries to fulfil the diverse needs of senior citizens
• With effect from April 1, 2016, the Ministry has revised the IPOP scheme by the merger of following components of Non-Plan Schemes in the existing Plan Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons:
  • Awareness Generation for Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007
  • Setting up of helpline for Senior Citizens at National Level
  • Setting up of helpline for Senior Citizens at District Level
  • Scheme for implementation of the New National Policy on Senior Citizens

Also, read about the Senior Citizen Act, 2007, at the linked article.

Objectives of IPOP

The assistance under the scheme is given to NGOs/ other organisations mentioned above for the following purposes:

• Programmes catering to the basic needs of Older Persons particularly Food, Shelter and Health Care to the destitute elderly
• Programmes to build and strengthen intergenerational relationships particularly between children/ youth and Older Persons
• Programmes for encouraging Active and Productive Ageing
• Programmes for providing Institutional as well as Non-Institutional Care/ Services to Older Persons
• Research, Advocacy and Awareness Building Programmes in the field of Ageing
• Any other programmes in the best interest of Older Persons

Also, read Vulnerable Groups in India – Children and Senior Citizens

What is the significance of a scheme for Older persons in India?

As per Census 2011, the total population of Senior Citizens (people aged 60 years and above) is 10.38 crore, of which population of males and females are 5.11 crore and 5.27 crore respectively. The share of senior citizens in the total population as per Census 2011 is 8.57%. As per the May 2006 Report of the “Technical Group on Population Projections” constituted by the National Commission on Population published by the Office of the Registrar General of India this share is expected to increase to 10.70 % in 2021 and to 12.40% in 2026.

Thus, to ensure that the older people in the country are accessible to a dignified and productive life as senior citizens, the government needs to work for the benefit of the Older People in India.

October 1 is observed as the International Day for Senior Citizens. UPSC aspirants can learn more about the significance of this day at the linked article.

What is the eligibility criterion for an NGO to obtain grant-in-aid under IPOP Scheme?

• The Non-governmental voluntary organisation should be a registered body, under an appropriate Act so that it gets a corporate status and a legal personality
• It should be registered either under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the relevant State Societies Registration Act
• The Organisation shall have a properly constituted managing body with its powers, duties and responsibilities clearly defined and laid down in a written Constitution; It shall have an appropriate administrative structure and a duly constituted managing/ executive committee
• The organisation is initiated and governed by its own members on democratic principles
• The Organisation shall not run for profit to any individual or a body of individuals

Outcomes Under IPOP Scheme

• In the year 2016-17, around 396 old age homes were given grants under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons
• The Integrated Program for Elder Persons undertook several innovative projects as well that include maintenance of respite care homes and continuous care homes
• Under this scheme, efficient daycare centres are also run by various organisations for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia

Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP):-Download Notes PDF Here

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