The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Haryana government to provide a timeline for establishing the elderly helpline number in a recent ruling. The court issued this directive in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the implementation of ‘Elder Line’ and the appointment of an implementation agency for it.

According to a report by Live Law, the court has asked the government to file an affidavit detailing which districts have the Elder Line operational. For districts where it has not yet been established, the government must explain the reasons for the delay and provide a timeline for implementation.

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What Is The Elder Line?

The Elder Line is a toll-free helpline number (14567) launched in September 2021 for senior citizens across India. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment established the helpline in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). This pan-India initiative aims to address elderly needs and provide them with a platform for raising concerns about daily challenges and provide support in getting:

·       Information about hospitals, doctors, old age homes, etc.

·       Guidance on pension queries, legal aid, and maintenance issues

·       Support for anxiety, relationship management, and similar concerns

·       Intervention in cases of abuse, elder rescue, and creating a supportive ecosystem

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While the helpline is currently working in 26 states and 8 union territories, Haryana and West Bengal remain the only two states that are yet to establish an implementation agency for this.

The requirements to establish an elder line are:

·       An agency to implement the helpline with a predefined process

·       A physical and software infrastructure

·       Training of personnel

·       Agreements with like-minded organisations to support the elderly

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As the number of senior citizens in India continues to grow, addressing their concerns in a timely manner is increasingly critical. With limited mobility and the challenges posed by technological advancements and changing family structures, seniors require a dedicated platform for assistance.

The Elder Line is designed to offer relief by providing comprehensive information, guidance, and support through a single platform. However, the lack of implementation, despite a clear policy framework, remains a significant concern. The intervention of the High Court in directing the Haryana government to establish a timeline offers hope for senior citizens in the state.