New Delhi, July 24: The Government of India has issued Model Guidelines for the Development and Regulation of Retirement Homes and circulated them to all States and Union Territories to promote safe, accessible and dignified living conditions for senior citizens across the country.
The guidelines aim to provide a comprehensive framework for the establishment, operation and regulation of retirement homes while encouraging States and UTs to strengthen oversight mechanisms for such facilities.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B. L. Verma shared the information in a written reply to Rajya Sabha member Neerja Dangi, noting that while “Land” and “Colonization” fall under the State List of the Constitution, the Centre has developed the model framework in response to the growing demand for quality residential facilities for the elderly.
According to the ministry, the guidelines prescribe essential standards to ensure retirement homes are tailored to the needs of senior citizens. These include wheelchair-accessible ramps and lifts, wide corridors with handrails, uninterrupted water supply, power backup, ambulance services and in-apartment panic alarm systems to enable prompt emergency response.
The government said the measures are intended to create elderly-friendly infrastructure that promotes safety, accessibility and independent living.
The minister further informed Parliament that retirement home projects are covered under the provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), making them subject to transparency, accountability and consumer protection requirements applicable to other real estate developments.
Officials said the inclusion of retirement homes under RERA is expected to enhance confidence among senior citizens and their families by ensuring greater regulatory oversight and project accountability.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the Centre remains committed to promoting the welfare and dignity of senior citizens and will continue to support States and Union Territories in developing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure quality services, enhanced safety standards and improved quality of life for the elderly.
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