Policymaking for diversity among the aged in India.
Population aging is occurring rapidly in India, and the implications of an aging society are likely to be experienced in an adverse manner unless immediate steps are taken to provide social security for all of India's older population. Current provision by central and state governments is grossly inadequate. This article analyzes the major Indian states across three income groups and describes the differences and inequalities across states and rural/urban areas with regard to income, living arrangements, pension benefits, etc. The efforts by central and state governments to meet the needs of older persons are outlined and critiqued. Suggestions are made for the establishment of more equitable income security, and health and social services schemes.
Purohit
Brijesh C
BC
Center for Policy Research, New Delhi, India. brijeshpurohit@rediffmail.com
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010415:Pensions; D011050:Policy Making; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012943:Social Security; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*