All Papers/Social Work with Older Persons (2023-24)/Q3
Q3
5 Marks

Part A (Q3): What are the Social Security measures for older persons?

Expert Answer

Social security for older persons refers to the state-sponsored mechanisms designed to protect them against economic destitution and health crises in their old age. Key measures in India include:

  1. Income Security (Pensions):
    • Organized Sector: Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) and regular pension schemes for retired government and formal sector employees.
    • Unorganized Sector: The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), which provides a monthly cash transfer to destitute elderly belonging to BPL (Below Poverty Line) families.
  2. Health Security:
    • The National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), which aims to provide dedicated geriatric care in district hospitals.
    • Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), providing health insurance cover for vulnerable families, which critically benefits the elderly who have high healthcare costs.
  3. Legal Security: The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which legally mandates adult children to provide maintenance (financial support) to their aged parents, ensuring they are not abandoned.