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By:

Bhaskar Nath Biswal

13 May 2026 at 3:00:30 pm

Guarding the Grey

India’s rising crimes against senior citizens expose a failure of social protection, policing and community responsibility. AI generated image India is ageing rapidly. With a growing population of citizens above 60 years, the vulnerability of our elderly has become a stark national concern. The latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in its ‘Crime in India 2022-24’ report reveals a disturbing trend: crimes against senior citizens are not only persistent but showing signs of...

Guarding the Grey

India’s rising crimes against senior citizens expose a failure of social protection, policing and community responsibility. AI generated image India is ageing rapidly. With a growing population of citizens above 60 years, the vulnerability of our elderly has become a stark national concern. The latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in its ‘Crime in India 2022-24’ report reveals a disturbing trend: crimes against senior citizens are not only persistent but showing signs of increase in several states. What was once considered a marginal issue in a traditionally family-centric society is now emerging as a systemic failure of social protection, law enforcement and urban planning. The NCRB Report presents a comprehensive picture of crimes against senior citizens across states and Union Territories over three years, from 2022-2023. In 2022, the total number of cases stood at 26,996. This rose marginally to 26,306 in 2023 before climbing again to 31,067 in 2024. The overall increase from 2022 to 2024 is approximately 15 percent, indicating a worrying upward trajectory despite slight fluctuations. The rate of crime per lakh senior citizen population (based on 2011 Census figures) reached 30.6 in 2024, up from previous years, with the percentage change highlighting significant spikes in many regions. Regional Hotspots A closer look at state-wise data reveals glaring disparities. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of incidents, with cases rising from 5,187 in 2022 to 5,875 in 2024. Maharashtra, a consistent high-reporting state, saw its figures at 4,918 in 2024. Karnataka witnessed one of the most dramatic surges, jumping from 1,523 cases in 2022 to 4,247 in 2024, reflecting nearly a three-fold increase over the three-year period. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh also feature prominently in the top five, underlining the concentration of such crimes in certain parts of the country. States like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan continue to report significant numbers as well, though they fall just outside the top five in 2024. In contrast, many northeastern states and smaller Union Territories report minimal or zero cases, which may reflect lower reporting rates, stronger community bonds, or differing demographic patterns. The percentage change is particularly alarming. Several states witnessed over 50 to a 100 percent increase between 2022 and 2024. For instance, states like Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and some smaller ones show dramatic percentage hikes, suggesting that even regions previously considered safer are no longer immune. When viewed against the senior citizen population (using 2011 Census as base), the crime rate underscores the disproportionate impact on the elderly in densely populated or urbanising states. Easy Targets Several interconnected reasons explain this surge. Urbanisation and migration have fractured joint family structures. Adult children moving to cities or abroad for opportunities leave elderly parents isolated in rural or semi-urban homes, making them soft targets for theft, burglary and physical assault. Financial exploitation, including property disputes, fraud through fake calls or digital scams and coercion by relatives or outsiders, forms a significant chunk of these crimes. Rapid technological adoption among seniors, often without adequate digital literacy has opened new avenues for cyber fraud. Many elderly people fall prey to phishing, lottery scams or impersonation by fraudsters posing as government officials. Additionally, inadequate policing in residential areas, poor street lighting, and lack of community vigilance exacerbate the problem. Socio-economic factors such as poverty among certain elderly groups and rising inequality further fuel crimes of opportunity. The psychological toll is immense. Senior citizens, many of whom contributed to nation-building, now live in fear, diminishing their quality of life and dignity in twilight years. Under-reporting is another critical issue; many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the justice system. Progress and Gaps The government has taken some steps to address this vulnerability. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (amended in 2019) provides for tribunals and maintenance claims but implementation remains patchy. Initiatives like the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), Senior Citizens Welfare Fund and schemes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aim to provide financial support, healthcare and old-age homes. Police departments in several states have introduced senior citizen cells, help lines (such as 1090 or state-specific numbers) and community policing drives. The ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ or other awareness campaigns occasionally touch upon elder safety. During the pandemic, special provisions were made for doorstep delivery of essentials to seniors. However, these measures often lack coordination, adequate funding and ground-level enforcement. Many states have yet to fully operationalise geriatric-friendly police protocols or integrate senior safety into smart city projects. The rising crimes against senior citizens demand more than incremental tweaks. We need a national mission-level focus on elder safety, integrating technology, community participation and stringent legal frameworks. Mandatory self-defence training for seniors, widespread installation of CCTV in senior-heavy localities and AI-enabled fraud detection systems could help. Initiatives like strengthening local governance to provide ‘elder-friendly neighbourhoods’ and incentivising family care through tax benefits or subsidies are equally vital. Judicial reforms to fast-track cases involving seniors and awareness campaigns leveraging media and schools to instil respect for elders can rebuild cultural safeguards. Corporates and NGOs must step up with corporate social responsibility projects focused on senior security. India’s demographic dividend will turn into a demographic challenge if we fail our seniors today. As the country aspires to be a developed nation by 2047, ensuring the safety and dignity of those who built it must be a non-negotiable priority. Let us not allow our elders to become statistics in NCRB reports. It is time for empathy to translate into effective action, before the silent epidemic becomes deafening. (The writer is a former college Principal and Founder of Supporting Shoulders, an Odisha-based non-profit Trust. Views personal.)

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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