India, Oct. 29 -- Keralam on Monday became the first state in the country to pass legislation to protect the rights and dignity of senior citizens, improve their access to government services, and draw a blueprint for a 'silver economy' by ensuring their participation.

All members of the House in the Keralam Assembly, cutting across political lines, supported the bill piloted by chief minister VD Satheesan. Titled 'Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, it is the first prominent piece of legislation mooted by the Congress-led government and remained a key promise of its election campaign.

During its campaign for the Assembly elections in April-May 2026, the Congress had unveiled a set of 'guarantees', among ...