The blueprint could focus on enhanced digital literacy, stronger security and verification systems, and coordinated monitoring and support to minimise such incidents, a senior government official told ET.
It will be part of overall policy interventions planned for ensuring health, social and financial security of the country’s rapidly growing elderly population.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to outline the government’s vision for providing a comprehensive elderly care in the Union Budget 2026-27, subject to approvals, the official said on the condition of anonymity.
“The Aayog is finalising a multi-ministerial action plan for effective senior care in the country and a report could be submitted soon for consideration at the highest level,” the official said.
The initiative comes amid a sharp rise in digital arrest cases. The Supreme Court, in November 2025, said more than ₹3,000 crore have been scammed by fraudsters from victims, mostly drawn from the elderly population, through ‘digital arrests’, terming it as a very big challenge for the country.
As per the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) 4,439 digital arrest cases were reported between January and August 2025, up over 60% from 2,746 during the same period in 2024.
India has over 130 million elderly population, or people aged 60 and above, which is projected to touch 230 million by 2036 and 347 million by 2050, constituting over 20% of the country’s total population.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be the nodal ministry to oversee effective implementation.