NITI Aayog’s “Reimagining Care” Report: Empowering Caregivers for Viksit Bharat@2047

NITI Aayog’s “Reimagining Care” Report: Empowering Caregivers for Viksit Bharat@2047

NITI Aayog has released a report titled “Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat@2047.” The report presents a comprehensive framework for building an organised, professional, accessible, inclusive, and future-ready care system in India.The report highlights the growing importance of the care economy in the context of India’s changing demographics, increasing life expectancy, urbanisation, changing family structures, and rising participation of women in the workforce.

Key Findings of the Report

Need for Strengthening the Caregiving Ecosystem

¨     Caregiving is emerging as a priority sector for India’s transition towards Viksit Bharat@2047, critical for both social well-being and economic development.

¨     The report positions caregivers at the centre of the care ecosystem, recognising caregiving as a skilled, dignified and valued profession.

¨     It emphasises quality of care, professional recognition, workforce welfare, institutional support, and enabling families and communities to access reliable and affordable care.

¨     India’s growing elderly population, changing family structures, rising disability prevalence and increasing long-term care needs require a more organised, professional and coordinated system of care.

According to the India Ageing Report 2023

¨     Elderly population (60 years and above) was 149 million (10.5% of the population) in 2022.

¨     It is projected to increase to 194 million by 2031 and 347 million (20.8% of the population) by 2050.

¨     As per Census 2011, India has 26.8 million Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), further increasing demand for caregiving services.

¨     Around 10% of India’s population are family caregivers, according to the International Alliance of Carer Organisations.

Opportunities in the Care Economy

¨     India is uniquely positioned to capitalise on its demographic dividend and expand its care network and skilled workforce.

The report highlights the potential to:

¨     Meet growing domestic care needs.

¨     Create skilled employment opportunities.

¨     Increase women’s economic participation.

¨     Position India as a global hub for skilled caregiving professionals.

WHO estimates a global shortage of nearly 11 million health workers by 2030, highlighting growing international demand for trained caregivers.India’s care services market was valued at USD 29.62 billion in 2023 and is expanding at a 13.76% CAGR, representing a high-potential engine for formal job creation, enhanced female labour force participation and sustainable economic growth.Women spend 299 minutes per day on unpaid domestic and caregiving services compared to 97 minutes by men, highlighting the need for recognition and formalisation of care work.