Speaking on the occasion Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Vijender Jain said, "The erosion of the joint family system and the emergence of nuclear families which, in fact, ultimately ends up marginalising the elderly in their respective families. Incidentally, the Planning Commission of India asserted that about 92 per cent of working Indians do not enjoy any formal old age income."
Further deliberating on the subject, Justice Jain said, "Since the ageing population is required to be supported through provisions like pension and other social security measures, it has been invariably argued that the elderly constitute an economic burden on the community."
Harpal Singh Deputy Chairman CII Northern Region and Impact Group, said, "The demographic ageing of societies represents one of the major challenges of the 21st century. The steady increase of older age groups, both in the absolute numbers and in relation to the working-age population, will have a direct bearing on relationships within families, equity across generations, life styles, family solidarity and a host of new issues."