Mains Daily Question
Sept. 18, 2023
Q2. How effective have the welfare schemes been in addressing the key issues faced by the elderly population in India? (10M/150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: The question expects the student to evaluate the effectiveness of welfare schemes for the elderly in Indian which addresses the challenges faced by the elderly population, focusing on aspects such as healthcare, social security, infrastructure, and intergenerational support. Introduction: Type 1: Start with data on elderly in India. Type 2: Start with brief background about policy approach towards elderly in India. Body: Address the answer by highlighting some key policies and schemes aimed at the welfare of the elderly population in India, the issues involved and measures. Conclusion: Type 1: Conclude with way forward to ensure ease of living for elderly in India. Type 2: Summarize the topic and conclude on a positive note. |
Answer: According to the National Commission on Population, the share of the elderly in India’s population, close to 9% in 2011, is growing fast and may reach 18% by 2036. The welfare schemes and policies for the elderly in India have aimed to provide support and security, but their effectiveness remains a subject of scrutiny due to various challenges and limitations.
Schemes and programs aimed at the welfare of the elderly population in India:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): It provides a monthly pension to elderly individuals living below the poverty line.
- Annapurna Scheme: It provides free food grains to eligible senior citizens.
- National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly” (NPHCE) to provide primary, secondary, tertiary health care facilities.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: This scheme aims to provide assistive devices and aid to senior citizens belonging to below poverty line (BPL) category who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disabilities
- Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP): It focuses on the welfare of senior citizens by providing financial assistance for old age homes, day care centers, healthcare services, and awareness programs.
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana to offer a guaranteed payout of pension to senior citizens every month.
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): It is a savings scheme offered by the government with higher interest rates for individuals above 60 years of age.
Issues in ensuring the effectiveness of Welfare schemes:
- Limited coverage: Restrictive eligibility criteria exclude elderly above poverty line but still financially challenged, impacting inclusivity and effectiveness.
- Bureaucratic processes: Complex application processes hinder elderly participation due to limited mobility, education, and information access, discouraging their involvement.
- Implementation challenges: Challenges in implementation and monitoring hinder schemes' impact due to corruption, payment delays, and inefficient delivery mechanisms.
- Inadequate healthcare infrastructure: Inadequate geriatric healthcare in rural areas limits access to specialized services, impacting the overall well-being of senior citizens.
- Inadequate pension amounts: Insufficient pension amounts undermine financial security for the elderly, failing to meet basic needs amidst rising expenses.
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Additional information (Can also be integrated into conclusion): Measures to address the challenges faced by the elderly population in the country: ● Strengthen healthcare infrastructure: Enhance geriatric healthcare in rural areas by increasing facilities, training specialized professionals, and ensuring affordable medications. ● Introduce age-friendly policies: Tailoring policies to address elderly needs, including accessible infrastructure, transportation, and social support, enhances their quality of life. ● Foster community support: Promoting community support systems reduces isolation and fosters social interaction for the elderly through centers, clubs, and support groups. ● Strengthen legal protection: Implementing laws safeguarding elderly rights, like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, offers legal protection against abuse. ● Encourage active aging: Encouraging active aging through exercise, learning, and recreation enhances the health and well-being of senior citizens. |
With initiatives such as SAMPANN Project, SACRED Portal for Elderly, SAGE (Senior care Ageing Growth Engine) Initiative etc., government is ensuring the well-being and dignity of our elderly population, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and receive the support they deserve. With a collective effort, we can create an inclusive and supportive society for our senior citizens.
