Ten million of the 95 million elderly populations in India can be termed destitute with little or no source of support. Around 23 million or more elderly are classified Below Poverty Line (BPL). Such elderly need to work simply to survive till their last breath especially so, if they were from the marginalized section of society - 75% of elderly population. Most end up in absolute destitution in the last years of their lives when they have neither capacity nor ability to work. Also lack any kind of safety net by way of family or community support system. This extremely vulnerable status of destitute elders not only undermines their dignity and self-respect, but also exposes them to increased risk of exploitation, abuse and further impoverishment.
HelpAge India has piloted, in 25 states, a two pronged approach viz. Welfare and Development to respond to the needs of disadvantaged elders in India
- Welfare Approach (30%): Cash/kind monthly hand out for dying destitute and abandoned elders
- Development Approach (70%): Formation of elder self-help group enterprise, livelihood skills, micro savings with marginalized elders (55+ years) in preparing them for old age
Success over the 6 months
With the project nearing 18 months of its operation, there was need felt to take the stock of the project to assess how the project has progressed across the 20 states.
Activities Scheduled in 6 months (April-Sep.11)
- Beneficiary profiling - on going (for new beneficiaries included under working/assisted category)
- Requisite and primary Medicare
- Group Formation, training
- Setting up of Grain Bank
- Supporting destitute elders in OAH
- Advocacy activities in few projects
Achievements in line with project activities in the last 6 months
- Fortnight Medical Consultation across 105 projects for 13470beneficiaries
- 1557 elders were screened for ophthalmic problems and 259 elders have undergone cataract surgeries with IOL implants successfully
- 5523 elders received physiotherapy treatments through 53 physiotherapy units
- 146 new ESHG formed and are in different stages.
- 44 grainbanks are operational and destitute elders are receiving support from the community managed grainbank or other sources.
- 914 applications for pensions submitted and 318 already sanctioned
