Government Issues Model Guidelines for Development and Regulation of Retirement Homes for Senior Citizens: MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B. L. Verma in Written Reply in Rajya Sabha
The Government of India has formulated and circulated Model Guidelines for the Development and Regulation of Retirement Homes to all States and Union Territories with the objective of promoting safe, accessible and dignified living conditions for senior citizens. The initiative seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for the establishment, operation and regulation of retirement homes while encouraging States and Union Territories to strengthen their regulatory mechanisms.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B. L. Verma in a written reply to Shri Neerja Dangi in the Rajya Sabha. The Minister informed the House that 'Land' and 'Colonization' are State subjects under Entry 18 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. However, in view of the increasing need for quality residential facilities for the elderly, the Central Government has prepared the Model Guidelines to serve as a reference framework for States and Union Territories in developing policies and regulations for retirement homes.
The Minister further stated that the Model Guidelines prescribe essential standards to ensure that retirement homes are designed to meet the needs of senior citizens. These include the provision of wheelchair-accessible ramps and lifts, wide corridors with handrails, uninterrupted water supply, power backup facilities, ambulance services and in-apartment panic alarm systems to facilitate prompt emergency response. The guidelines are aimed at creating elderly-friendly infrastructure that promotes safety, accessibility and independent living for residents.
The written reply also stated that retirement homes are covered under the provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). Consequently, such projects are required to comply with the transparency, accountability and consumer protection measures applicable to other real estate developments, thereby strengthening confidence among senior citizens and their families.
The Government remains committed to promoting the welfare and dignity of senior citizens by encouraging the development of safe, accessible and professionally managed retirement homes. Through the Model Guidelines, the Ministry seeks to support States and Union Territories in creating a robust regulatory ecosystem that ensures quality services, enhanced safety standards and a better quality of life for the elderly across the country.
PR – 029
TAR/KV/GA