India’s elderly population is set to more than double by 2050, while migration and nuclear families are weakening traditional care networks
Caregiving remains largely informal and women-led. Formal services are limited, unevenly distributed and often too expensive for households
India needs recognised qualifications, quality standards and better working conditions alongside efforts to expand the caregiver workforce
A national council, qualification framework and caregiver registry can bring consistency to training, certification and workforce planning
Fair wages, contracts, insurance, leave and workplace safety are essential to attracting and retaining a professional care workforce
Sustained investment and community-based delivery can ease household burdens, support women’s employment and create dignified jobs