Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Tamil Nadu Senior Groups Seek Pension, Healthcare Improvements
A group that represents older people in Tamil Nadu wants the state to provide them with more support.
It says the government should create a commission to help carry out the state’s policy for senior citizens.
The group wants the monthly old-age pension to rise to Rs 3,000.
It also wants pensions to reach at least three out of every four senior citizens.
The federation says only 14.18 lakh elderly people currently receive the old-age pension.
It says those pensions are between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500 a month.
It has asked the government to set aside more money for pensions and healthcare in the 2026-27 budget.
It also wants better access to care, medicines, food, shelter and places for older people to meet.
The Federation of Senior Citizen Associations of Tamil Nadu wants the state to establish a statutory Senior Citizens Commission.
It has called for raising the monthly old-age pension to Rs 3,000 and covering at least 75% of senior citizens through social security pensions.
The federation estimates Tamil Nadu had 1.04 crore elderly residents, or 13.6% of its population, in 2021, and says the number is projected to rise by 2031.
The federation says 14.18 lakh elderly people are covered by the old-age pension scheme, with benefits ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 monthly.
For the 2026-27 budget, it has proposed Rs 28,080 crore for social security pensions and Rs 3,120 crore for elderly healthcare.
- Who
- The Federation of Senior Citizen Associations of Tamil Nadu.
- What
- It has urged the state government to establish a statutory Senior Citizens Commission, increase pensions and expand elderly healthcare and support.
- When
- The proposals concern the 2026-27 budget; the federation cites elderly population figures for 2021 and projections for 2031.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- The federation says the state’s elderly population is projected to grow and seeks stronger financial and healthcare support for senior citizens.
- Estimated elderly population in 2021
- 1.04 crore, or 13.6% of Tamil Nadu’s population, according to the federation.
- Proposed monthly old-age pension
- Rs 3,000.
- Proposed pension coverage
- At least 75% of senior citizens, or around 78 lakh people based on the federation’s estimate.
- Current old-age pension coverage
- 14.18 lakh elderly people, according to the federation.
- Current pension amounts
- Rs 1,200-Rs 1,500 per month, according to the federation.
- Proposed 2026-27 pension allocation
- Rs 28,080 crore.
- Proposed 2026-27 elderly healthcare allocation
- Rs 3,120 crore.