UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

Which one of the following best explains why formal training of caregivers is becoming a major public-policy issue in India?

  1. India's ageing population and the large volume of unpaid, mostly informal caregiving create a need for recognised skills and support systems.
  2. Caregiving is limited to hospital doctors and cannot be performed by trained community workers.
  3. The issue arises only from a projected decline in India's elderly population.
  4. Formal caregiving eliminates the need for geriatric mental-health support.

Answer

Correct Answer

India's ageing population and the large volume of unpaid, mostly informal caregiving create a need for recognised skills and support systems.

Explanation

Care economy

  • Option A is correct: demographic ageing and unpaid care burdens require training, recognition and institutional support.
  • Option B is wrong because trained community workers can support home and primary care.
  • Option C is wrong because the policy challenge follows an increase, not a decline, in the elderly population.
  • Option D is wrong because geriatric mental-health care remains an essential component of training.

Topics: care economy and formal caregiver skilling, demography, elderly care, social issues