Caregiving has always been essential work in India. On 5 August 2026, NITI Aayog proposed treating it as a profession, not an invisible duty.
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Indian Governance · IndGov0028
Reimagining Care
NITI Aayog’s caregiving policy roadmap, released 5 August 2026
Released By
Ashok Kumar Lahiri, VC, NITI Aayog
Prepared By
Social Justice & Empowerment Division
Key Proposal 1
National Policy on Caregiving
Key Proposal 2
National Caregiver Council
Policy
Professional recognition of caregivers
Workforce development
Global cooperation
Social security
Family & community-based care
From Duty to Profession
The report’s central shift is treating caregiving as skilled, paid work. It also frames rising global demand for trained caregivers as an export opportunity for India, much like skilled nursing already is.
Must Know
Reimagining Care: NITI Aayog’s Caregiving Roadmap
What Is Caregiving
- DefinitionCaregiving is the support provided to people who need help with daily living, health, or well-being.
- WhoIt covers care for the elderly, persons with disabilities, the chronically ill, and children.
- TypesIt can be formal (paid professional care) or informal (unpaid family or community care).
- ActivitiesIt includes assistance with meals, mobility, hygiene, medication, companionship and medical care.
- Mostly womenIn India, much unpaid caregiving is done by women within families, often without pay or recognition.
- Why it mattersAs India’s population ages, the demand for formal, skilled caregivers is growing rapidly.
The Report
- ReleasedOn 5 August 2026, NITI Aayog released “Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat@2047”.
- PreparedIt was prepared by NITI Aayog’s Social Justice and Empowerment Division.
- ViewIt treats caregiving as a skilled, dignified profession, not informal, unpaid work.
Two Major Proposals
- PolicyIt proposes a National Policy on Caregiving.
- CouncilIt proposes a National Caregiver Council.
Released By
- ChairIt was released by NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Ashok Kumar Lahiri.
- SourcePIB.
Good to Know
Pillars and Engagement
Six Strategic Pillars
- PillarsThe report organises recommendations across six pillars.
- SetThese are policy, professional recognition, workforce development, global cooperation, social security, and family and community care.
Evidence Base
- MethodIt draws on stakeholder consultations, international benchmarking, surveys and field visits.
Launch Attendees
- MinistriesSeveral central ministries attended, including Social Justice, Skill Development and Health.
- InternationalUNFPA, WHO, the World Bank, ADB and the ILO were also present.
Test Yourself
Great to Know
Why It Matters
An Economic Opportunity
- ExportThe report frames caregiving as an economic opportunity, not just a welfare obligation.
- DemandRising global demand for trained caregivers could make India a leading exporter, like nursing.
Formal Recognition
- ShiftRecognising caregiving as a profession is a significant shift.
- InvisibleUnpaid family caregiving, often done by women, has stayed economically invisible.
Soft Power
- CultureLahiri linked the report to India’s soft power, rooted in “seva and samvedana”.
Current Affairs
📰 Current Affairs
Recent Release
- EventThe report was released on 5 August 2026.
- SourcePIB; NITI Aayog.
PYQ
Exam Point of View
MCQ Questions
- PrelimsCaregiving and senior-care policy appear in UPSC and other competitive exams.
Written Answer Questions
- ThemeCare economy, social security and welfare are recurring GS-II themes.
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