Kerala has launched the country’s first Elder-Friendly Office Certification (EFOC) to enhance the accessibility of government offices and public institutions for senior citizens. This initiative, introduced by the Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare, aims to tackle common challenges faced by elderly individuals during office visits, such as long queues, stairs without handrails, small print on forms, and counters requiring stair access.

Objectives of the Certification

The EFOC is designed to address these issues comprehensively. According to a release, the certification draws inspiration from various models, including the Sharjah model in the UAE, the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities network, and the Certified Age-Friendly Employer programme in the United States. The technical standards for ramps, signage, and toilets adhere to the national guidelines established in 2021 under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. This marks the first time such standards have been consolidated in India.

Evaluation Criteria

Offices will be assessed based on five key areas:

  • Building accessibility (30% of total score)
  • Service delivery (25%)
  • Staff training and conduct (20%)
  • Communication (15%)
  • Participation (10%)

Certain facilities are mandatory for certification, including:

  • Step-free entry
  • Ground-floor toilet
  • Priority queue for senior citizens
  • An officer designated to assist elderly visitors