Context: Central Government is preparing a platform to offer jobs to senior citizens across the country to find a suitable job.

• It is a first of kind move, the government has come up with an online employment exchange platform to cater to senior citizens seeking job opportunities.

Background

• This portal is being seen as the way forward against the backdrop of a steady rise in the population of elderly.
• The number of senior citizens has gone up from nearly 2 crore in 1951 to 7.6 crore in 2001 and about 10.4 crore in 2011.
• As per the report of the technical group on population projections for India (2011-2036) submitted to National Commission on Population, the population estimates of senior citizens were 13.76 crore (10.1%) in 2021, which is predicted to rise to 16.28 crore (11.4%) by 2026 and go further up to 22.74 crore (14.9%) in 2036.

About the Portal

• The platform will be called ‘Rozgar Exchange’ and would be under the policy called Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity (SACRED). 
• It will be officially launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on October 1.
• The portal developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is named Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED).
• The portal will be developed through National Informatics Centre(NIC).
• The portal will enable those above 60 years of age to search for jobs on the virtual platform.
• The ministry, however, clarified that the portal does not guarantee jobs but will act as an enabler for those seeking employment.

Need for such kind of Initiative

• There is a sharp rise in India’s elderly population and thrust is on creating an ecosystem that supports their needs more holistically.
• There are 110 million elders in this country, who are above the age of 60.
• According to the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI), India will have over 319 million elderly by 2050 compared to the 120 million now.
• More than 50% senior citizens are found active as per the LASI report 2020. Many senior citizens having experience, time and energy can be used by the business enterprises looking for stable employees with experience.

Other Initiatives

• The government has also started a helpline number for senior citizens. 
• The government has also started a nationwide toll-free helpline ‘Elder Line’ 14567 for senior citizens so that they get assistance for pension, legal issues, emotional support, help against harassment, and help in homelessness etc.