Social security scheme for Old age and women

1. Social security schemes for
Old age and Women
By: Dr. Jyotiranjan Sahoo

2. Definition
 According to I.L.O
Social security is the protection which
society provides for its member through a
series of public measure, against the
economic and social distress that otherwise
would be caused by the stoppage or
substantial prediction of earning resulting from
sickness, maternity, unemployment, injury,
invalidity, old age and death.

3. Old Age

4. Definitions.
 GERIATRICS – The care of the aged.
 GERONTOLOGY – The study of physical
and psychological changes which are
incident to old age.
Old age >60yrs
Young old 60-75
Old old 75-85
Very old or Infirm 85-100
Cenetarian > 100

5. India is getting older….

6. Life expectancy is rising at a good
pace

7. Trends affecting security of Indian
elderly
 Internal migration of working age people
 Fragmentation of land Fewer children living with
parents
 Diminished tendency to live in multigenerational
family
 Urbanization reduced child bearing
increased intergenerational spacing
 Increased longevity, made taking care of elderly more
expensive

8. Problem faced..
 Medial problems specific to old age.
 Physical problems making self maintenance
of health difficult.
 Economic inadequacy.
 Social isolation, loneliness, un wantedness,
loss of spouse etc.

9. Some studies and facts
 Visaria, 1999 and Registrar General of India, 2009:
Life expectancy at age 60 is closer to 20 years so a significant portion of
the Indian population will require income support for an average of 20 years
per person.
 Deshingkar and Akter, 2009:
Elderly is greater in India’s rural population than in the urban
population
 Sastry, 2007:
Large numbers of people have earnings that lie just above the poverty line,
with little room for saving for retirement.
 Pal, 2004:
More than 75 per cent of all Indian elderly live with their children. A high
proportion of this group also relies on their children for financial support.
 MOHFW2009 and ESA, 2009:
Resulting increase in the elderly dependency ratio suggests that future
working-age adults will find it difficult to financially support their older family
members.
Annual per capita out-of-pocket health spending in India was almost
four times as high among the elderly (INR 2,890) as among members of

10. Constitutional Provision
 Article 41 of Directive Principles of State Policy has
particular relevance to Old Age Social Security.
 According to this Article,
“the State shall, within the limits of its
economic capacity and development, make
effective provision for securing the right to work, to
education and to public assistance in case of
unemployment, OLD AGE, sickness and
disablement and in other cases of undeserved
want”.
[The Constitution of India, as on 2002 Government of India ]

11. At Government level..
 Nodal ministry :- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
 National policy on older persons :-
OBJECTIVES:
1. Encourage individuals -- provision for their own as well as their
spouse’s old age
2. Encourage families -- care of their older family members
3. Enable and support voluntary and non-governmental
organizations -- supplement the care provided by family.
4. Care and protection to the vulnerable elderly people
5. Provide health care facility to the elderly
6. Promote research and training facilities to train geriatric care
givers and organizers of services for the elderly
7. Create awareness regarding elderly persons to develop
themselves into fully independent citizens.

12. Steps taken to implement
policy
 Plan of action:-(2000-05)
An inter-ministerial committee has been constituted which
will examine and monitor the implementation of the policy.
 National council for older persons(NCOP):-
 Aadhar :
It is coordinated by Agewell foundation and is attending to
request for intervention from all over the country.
 Old Age Social & Income Security(OASIS):
1. to examine policy questions
2. to make concrete recommendation
So that every young worker can build enough savings
which would serve as a shield against poverty in their old
age.

13. Schemes of the Ministry
 An Integrated Programme for Older Persons:
The main objective of the Scheme is to improve the quality
of life of the Older Persons by providing basic amenities like
shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities
and by encouraging productive and active ageing through
providing support for capacity building.
 Implementing agencies: Government/ Non-Governmental
Organizations/Panchayati Raj Institutions/ local bodies and
the Community at large.
 Budget allocation - 2005-2006 was Rs.19.80 cr which was
revised to Rs. 14.00 cr, against which the expenditure was
Rs.14.00 cr.
 Year 2006-07 -- Rs.28 cr.
 Project NICE (National Initiative on Care for
Elderly)
Aim is to create awareness and sensitize citizens to establish
community support to the elderly.

14. 11th plan
 Objectives :
 To provide preventive, curative and rehabilitative
services.
 Train health care professional in geriatrics.
 Research in geriatrics and gerontology.
 Strategies :
 Level 1– a home based health service.
 Level 2– a community based health centre.
 Level 3– an improved hospital based support
service.

15. Legal Rights
 Code of criminal procedure(1973):-
Section 125(1) (2) makes it incumbent for a person having
sufficient means to maintain his father or mother who, is unable to
maintain himself or herself and on getting proof of neglect or
refusal, may be ordered by a first class magistrate to make a
monthly allowance not exceeding Rs.500/-.
 Hindu adoption and maintenance act(1956)
 Legislation by Himachal Pradesh Govt.
It makes mandatory for children to look after their aged parents
and other dependents or pay a maintenance allowance.
 The Senior Citizens (Maintenance, Care and Protection) Act:
A Judgment against harassment of parents:-
The couple had alleged they were being tortured by their
children. ‘‘See to it that the needs of the old couple are looked after
properly and they are not put to trouble,’’ (Source: Times of India
dated 21-01-04)

16. Economic Security
 National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS):
- Under National Old Age Pension Scheme, Central
Assistance of Rs. 200/- per month to all those above 60
years. This amount is diff. from state to state. Delhi and Goa
govt. give 1000/- assistance.
 Annapurna:
- Initiated by the Government of India in 1999 and
implemented in 2001.
- Under this scheme free food grains (wheat or rice) upto
10 Kg. per month are provided to destitute older persons(65
years or above) who are otherwise eligible for old age
pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, but are
not receiving it and whose sons are not residing with them.

17. Post retirement benefits
 (A) Pension
(a) With qualifying service of not less than 20 years. The amount of
pension will be 50% of the average emoluments and should not
be less than 50%of the minimum of the pay scale held at the time
of retirement.
(b) Proportionate monthly pension is admissible for lesser qualifying
service but after completing 10 years of qualifying service
 (B) Family Pension
(a) Calculated at a rate of 30% of the pay drawn at the time of
retirement
(b) Minimum of Rs. 1275/- p.m. and a maximum of Rs. 9000/- p.m.
 (C)Gratuity :
This one-time lump sum benefit -- Minimum 5 years qualifying
service

18. Tax Benefits
 Deduction in respect of medical insurance premia (Sec.
80D):
An assessee is entitled to a deduction up to Rs. 15,000
with effect from the assessment year 2000-01 where the
assessee or his/her spouse, or dependent parents or any
member of the family is a senior citizen (Rs.10,000 in case
of others).
 Deduction in respect of medical treatment (Sec. 80DDB) :
Where the expenditure incurred is in respect of the
assessee or his dependent relative or any member of a
Hindu undivided family of the assessee and who is a
senior citizen a fixed deduction of Rs. 60,000 will be
Age groups Income tax slab
Men up to 60 Years Upto Rs 1,80,000/-
Women up to 60 Years Upto Rs 1,90,000/-
60-80yrs Upto Rs 2,50,000/-
> 80yrs Upto Rs 5,00,000/-

19. Insurance schemes
 1. New Jeevan Dhara :
 2. Jeevan Akshay :
 3. New Jeevan Suraksha :
 4. Bima Nivesh
 5. Jan Arogya Bima Policy:

20. Health Security
 Ministry of Health has issued instructions to all
state governments to provide for separate queues
for older persons in hospitals for registration and
clinical examination.
 Special Health Care facilities provided in various
states:
 Geriatrics clinics run in some places like
Rajasthan, Kolkata, Cochin, Bangalore etc
 Special Sunday clinics for senior citizens in Delhi.
 Some states reserved certain % of bed for senior
citizens.
 Free IOL provided / some cash benefit provided
after cataract surgery.

21. Concession in Travel
 By Road:-
 DTC in Delhi gives concessional rate passes to senior citizens
over the age of 65 years like Chandigarh.
 Many of the states reserved at least 2 seats for senior citizen.
 By Trains:-
 Indian Railways provide 30% concession in all classes and
trains including Rajadhani/Shatabdi trains for male/ female
senior citizens who have attained 65 and 60 years of age
respectively. No certificate is required at the time of purchasing
ticket.
 By Air:-
 50% discount on normal rupees adult fare for travel on
Indian Airlines domestic flights only to Senior Citizens who have
attained the age of 65 years. Discount is applicable in economy
Class only.
 Other airlines providing such concession are Jet airways and

22. Old age homes
 A necessity in the present day scenario as the
younger generation do not have the time or in
many cases the resources to meet their needs.
 But should be considered only as a secondary
option.
 There are 1018 Old Age Homes in India today.
 Out of these, 427 free of cost while
153 old age homes are on pay
146 homes have both free as well as
pay & stay facilities .
118 homes are exclusively for women.
 Kerala has 186 old age homes which is maximum
in any state.
 Delhi has approx. 25 old age homes.

23. Miscellaneous
 Special counters for railway booking, income tax
return, electricity and telephone bill(Punjab),
property tax bill(Delhi).
 Telephone :
Telephone connection would be given on priority to
senior citizens of age 65 years and above.
 Expeditious disposal of Court Cases :
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India has advised
Chief Justice of all High Courts in the country to
accord priority to cases involving older persons and
ensure their expeditious disposal.

24. Cont..
 Mobile Medicare Unit Programme :
The Mobile Medicare Unit (MMU) Programme is the only
programme directly implemented by HelpAge India to provide
basic essential medicare at the door steps of needy and
underprivileged elderly in India.
 Recreation centers for Senior Citizens of Delhi:
 Magazines for the Elderly :
There are magazines for elderly by different NGOs.
 Delhi Police and Senior Citizens:
Delhi Police introduced some special schemes for the safety
of senior citizens according to which the beat officers in the
area have been directed to make a list of senior citizens and
help ensure a secure environment for them.
Under the plan the local SHO will visit them every first
Saturday of the month and the beat constable will visit once a
week on Sunday.

25. NGOs
 Helpage India(chennai): providing counseling ,
help and building oldage homes.
 Agewell Foundation : The volunteers are
constantly available to attend to matters of medical
or emotional nature, as well as legal and financial
advice.
 Dignity Helpline : dedicated exclusively for the
help and rescue of older persons. Distress calls
from elders seeking assistance are handled by a
qualified social worker.
 Heritage Helpline: Trained volunteers will
provide counseling, health assistance and referral
services through the helpline.
 Others are: Nightingale, EdAge, ARDSI….etc

26. Women

27. Indian Constitution
 Article 14:- equal rights and opportunity
 Article 15:- Prohibits discrimination against any citizen
 Article 39 (a):- all citizens, men and women equally
have the right to an adequate means of livelihood.
 Article 42:- Provision for just and humane conditions of
work and maternity relief
 Further Article 51 A (e) imposes that duty of every
citizen in India to renounce practices derogatory to the
dignity of women

28. WOMEN & LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN
INDIAN JUDICIARY
 Protection of women against sexual harassment at
workplace bill 2007
 Protection of women from domestic violence act 2005
(came into force 26/10/2006)
 The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
 The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961)
 The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition)
Act ,1986
 The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987 (3 of 1988)
 The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

29. Policies for Indian women
 National policy of empowerment of women:-
 Elimination of all forms of discrimination
 Creating positive environment
 De-jure & De-facto enjoyment of rights
 Equal access to participation & Dec. making
 Equal access to health care, education., social
security
 Strengthening legal systems
 Changing attitudes by active participation
 Mainstreaming Gender
 Involvement of NGOs

30. INTIATIVES IN FIVE YEAR PLANS
Five Year Plans Measures taken for Women welfare
1st Five Year Plan Central Social Welfare Board set up (1953)
2nd Five Year Plan Mahila Mandals were organized
3rd Five Year Plan Priority to education for women
4th Five Year Plan Supplementary nutrition for women & children
5th Five Year Plan Shift from women’s welfare to women’s
development
6th Five Year Plan Thrust on women’s education, health & employment
7th Five Year Plan Raising of social & economic status of women.
Creation of separate department for women & child.
8th Five Year Plan Shift from women’s development to empowerment
9th Five Year Plan Economic empowerment by launch of DWACRA,
STEP
10th Five Year Plan Gender Budgeting & access to information,
resources.
11th Five Year Plan Inclusive and integrated policy and strategy for social,
economic and political empowerment

31. WOMEN AND ECONOMY

32. Swayamsidha
 Objectives :
 Establishment of self-reliant women’s Self-Help Groups
(SHGs);
 Creation of confidence and awareness among
members of SHGs regarding women’s status, health,
nutrition, education, sanitation and hygiene, legal rights,
economic upliftment and other social, economic and
political issues;
 Strengthening and institutionalizing the savings
habit in rural women and their control over economic
resources
 Involvement of women in local-level planning

33.  SwaShakti:
Oct.1999
- Women SHGs
promotion
- socio-eco dev.
- micro-credit
facilities
Swawlamban:
1982-83
-to provide
training & skills
for employment
Support to training and
employment program (STEP)
-To provide skills and new
knowledge to poor and asset less
women in the traditional sectors.

34. EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF WOMEN
Though literacy rate for females increased from 39%
(1991) to 54% in 2001 but 2001 Census identified 45
districts with female literacy below 30%.
The National Programme for Education of Girls
at Elementary Level (NPEGEL), a component of
SSA: region specific strategies: bridge courses and
residential camps.
Accelerated female literacy program started in 8
districts.
Mahila Samakhya Programme (Education for
Women's Empowerment,1987) focuses on socially
excluded and the landless women. operational in 56
districts in 9 states.

35. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
 The National Commission for Women – nodal agency for
protection of rights of women.
• The Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat (PMLA) evolved
by the NCW an alternative justice delivery system (part
of the Lok Adalats- People's Courts): provides speedy
justice to women.
• Swadhar (2001-2) : scheme for holistic rehabilitation
of women in difficult circumstances including destitute
women, widows deserted by families, prisoners,
trafficked girls/prostitutes, victims of sexual crimes, etc.
 Family Counselling Centers - set-up in different districts,
Mahila Jails, Police Headquarters & Red Light Areas.
 Compensation to rape victims
 Short Stay Homes
 Awareness Generation Programs

36. WOMEN IN POWER & DECISION
MAKING
 33 percent reservation for women in institutions of local
governance through the
 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1993)
 One-third reservation for women to the posts of Presidents
and Vice Presidents in these institutions.
 Article 243(D) and 243(T) of the Constitution provides for 33
per cent reservation for women in Panchayats and
Municipalities.
 Right to political participation
 Article 326 of the Constitution guarantees political equality to
women and provides for a right to vote to all its citizens.
 Article 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution of India and the
Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 provides for equal
participation of women in political process.

37. RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL CRECHE
SCHEME
 With increasing employment opportunities for women
and the growing need to supplement household
income, more and more women are entering the job
market.
 The Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme was
revamped in 2006.
 The present scheme will provide assistance to NGOs
for running crèches for infants (0-6 years) and would
provide assistance to ensure
 sleeping facilities,
 healthcare,
 supplementary nutrition,
 immunization, etc. for running a crèche for 25 infants for
eight hours

38. Short stay homes Scheme
 Under the scheme, grants are given to Voluntary
Organizations, to set up Short Stay Homes for women and
girls
 In view to protect and rehabilitate those women and girls who
are facing social, economic and emotional problems.
(1) Temporary shelter to the needy women and girls from six
months to three years
(2) Case work and counseling services
(3) Medical care and psychiatric treatment
(4) Occupational therapy, skill development training and
rehabilitation services
(5) Educational, vocational and recreational activities
(6) Follow up by counselors for those women who have left the
Homes, needs to be done to ensure their well-being and safety

39. Legal framework for female
worker
 The Factory Act, 1948
 ESI Regulation , 1950
At the rate of full wages for a period of 12wks in case
of pregnancy and 6wks in case of miscarriage or MTP
 The Plantation Labour act. 1951
 The Mines Act, 1952
 Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
 The Bidi and Cigar Workers Act, 1966

40. Health
 National Health Policy-2002
It commits the highest priority of the central government to the
funding of identified programs relating to women’s health
 National Nutrition Policy (1993), National Plan of Action
onNutrition (1995)
Nutrition intervention for vulnerable groups – ICDS. Control of
Micro-nutrient Deficiency amongst vulnerable.
Improving the purchasing power – Integrated Rural Development
Program, Jawahar Rozgar Yojna etc.
Improvement of the status of women through education.
 Reproductive and Child Health program (RCH-II)
Reduction of maternal mortality by Comprehensive Essential
Obstetric Care package, BCC & community mobilization strategies,
Safe MTP. Mainstreaming gender and equity. Family Welfare
Program

41.  National AIDS Prevention and Control Policy (2002)
Special mention about the protection of rights of HIV positive
women in making decisions regarding pregnancy and childbirth.
The Family Health Awareness Campaign.
Prophylaxis for prevention of parent to child transmission and the
requisite counseling to all infected mothers.
 National Population Policy 2000
Empowering women for improved health and nutrition.
Meeting the unmet needs for Family Welfare.
Adolescents – a priority group

42. Girl child
 National Plan of Action for the Girl Child (1992)
- Equal rights
- Eliminate all violence
-Personality development
 RCH
- Immunization
- Iron & folic acid supplementation
 ICDS Program
-Health and nutrition of girls
 Kishori Shakti Yojna (adolescents)
 Save the ‘girl’ child

43. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
INTIATIVES IN DELHI
 Stree shakti: Taking hospitals to slum
 Gender Resource Centres: for Economic empowerment
 Mission for Development of Women- Reducing IMR,
MMR, female foeticide, School Drop Out Rate among
Girls & Economic Empowerment through
microenterprises of Women.
 Assistance by Social Welfare department : training,
shelter, counseling, working women hostels etc.
 Delhi Commission for Women set up in 1996.
 Family Counseling units- Sahoyagini
 Maternal Schemes – Mamta and ladli schemes

44. References
 The National Policy on Older Persons 1999.Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment. Government of India
 Annual Report Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Government of India,2000-2001;Newsletter of the National
Institute of Social Defence Vol3,No. 2,March 2002, New Delhi.
 Guidelines, Annapurna Scheme, Ministry of Rural Development,
Govt. of India, November 2000,New Delhi.
 National policy for empowerment of women (2001).Ministry of
Human Resource Development. Department of Women and
Child Development ;www.wcd.nic.in
 Health policies and programmes in India by Dr. D.K. Taneja
 National Health Programs of India by Dr. J. Kishore
 Report of the Working group on Empowerment of women for the
xi plan
 Vide office memo No. 45/86/97-P&PW(A)-Part-I, dated the 27th
October,1997 Government of India,Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners
Welfare

45. THANK YOU