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Social Security Pensions for Widows and the Elderly

A field survey of pensions for widows and the elderly in rural Jharkhand brings out the critical importance of this social security measure. Awareness of entitlements is high, the scheme is reaching the intended persons and pensions are a substantial source of support for some of the most vulnerable members of society. However, pension schemes have many shortcomings including unpredictable payments, high transaction costs, significant exclusion, confusing procedures and very low pension amounts. There is enormous scope for improvement as well as a case for expansion of coverage. The paper also discusses recent developments at the national level including the report of a ministerial task force and the growth of public action led by the Pension Parishad.