Budget 2022: NGOs seek fund allocation for adolescents’, elderly’s health

NGOs have requested the government to increase the budget
allocation for health and nutrition of adolescents and the elderly in the Union
Budget 2022-23

The
Population Foundation of India urged the government to increase budget
allocations for health, nutrition and education, and skill development of
adolescents. The NGO said to address the nutrition requirements of adolescent
girls the government should strengthen Mission Poshan 2.0.

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It
also suggested an increase in the budget allocation for family welfare to
ensure an adequate supply of contraceptive methods for spacing births, and
long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) to meet reproductive health needs.

PFI,
in a statement, said that to fill the digital divide in education for
adolescent girls more funds should be allocated towards Samagra Shiksha
Abhiyan. This will help to create equal opportunities for schooling and
equitable learning outcomes.

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Agewell
Foundation surveyed 5,000 old people across the country, which found that
budgetary measures can address most of the issues concerning them. The survey
found that 81% of the elderly were optimistic about the upcoming budget and
believed that the government will address issues concerning them.

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A
statement released by Agewell Foundation said, “Based on ongoing interaction
with a large number of older persons, their family members, and caregivers,
Agewell Foundation appeals to the Hon’ble Finance Minister and others concerned
to make adequate elderly-friendly provisions in the next budget”.

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The
foundation asked the government to set up skill training and retooling centers
for the elderly, exempt GST on services and products commonly used by the
elderly, and provision for providing Nutri-kits to older people from below
poverty-line families.

It also demanded dedicated healthcare
and online counseling services and special provisions for older persons in
government schemes.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2022 in
Parliament on February 1 at 11 am. The Budget, also known as the annual financial statement, is an account
of the government’s estimated receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year
which runs from April 1 to March 31.