Union Budget 2026: Senior citizens group expresses disappointment

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens’ Organisations, representing 28 groups across India, has expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2026 presented on Sunday, saying no rail concession and pensions were announced. 

The committee said the budget once again neglects the needs of senior citizens, offering only limited and indirect measures.

The JAC acknowledged that the budget refers to building a “care ecosystem” and training caregivers under health and skilling sections. It also mentions including senior citizens in access to assistive devices. However, the committee said these steps are insufficient without strong financial protection, social security and rights-based support.

Key demands ignored despite detailed representation

The JAC highlighted that it had submitted a detailed representation to the Finance Minister on January 26, 2026. However, none of the core demands were addressed in the budget, an official statement said.

It said that the major expectations that failed to meet the expectations include - 

- No restoration of Indian Railways concession for senior citizens, which was withdrawn during the Covid pandemic and has not been reinstated despite repeated appeals.

- No withdrawal of the 18 per cent GST on elder care services, including residential care, home care and support services.

- No provision for a Universal Old Age Pension, leaving millions of older persons dependent on low or non-existent pensions that do not reflect inflation or rising healthcare costs.

Other crucial issues

The committee also noted that the budget is silent on several important issues, including -

- Inclusion of all citizens aged 60 and above under Ayushman Bharat

- A National Dementia Policy or elder mental health programme

- GST exemption on essential items such as adult diapers, wheelchairs and walking aids

- Enhancement of income tax relief for senior and super senior citizens

JAC Calls for Immediate Action

The JAC said the budget continues a long-standing pattern of neglect, where senior citizens are mentioned rhetorically but not supported through meaningful fiscal or policy commitments.

The committee urged the government to initiate consultations and bring forward corrective measures through policy amendments, special packages or supplementary provisions.

“Senior citizens are not a burden -- they are citizens who have contributed a lifetime to nation-building,” the JAC said.