Social Security Schemes Research Articles

Prevalence of economic violence among the geriatric population and their knowledge and utilization of social security schemes in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT Context: Economic independence is an important factor in the prevention of violence among the elderly. Optimal utilization of various social security schemes in India helps them in achieving financial independence and proper utilization of health care services. However, there is a knowledge and service utilization gap among the elderly in our population. Aim and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of economic violence and awareness and utilization of social security schemes among the geriatric population. Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study conducted in rural and urban field practice areas of the tertiary care center. Methods and Material: A simple random sampling method was adopted. The data were collected using a pilot-tested semistructured questionnaire among 406 participants from three selected villages and wards of Venmalagaram and Maduranthakam during January to July 2023. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies and proportions were used for categorical variables, and Chi-square test was applied to test the level of significance. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of economic violence was found to be 12.1%. Among them, neglect was seen in a major proportion (61.2%). Awareness about the old age pension was seen in 70.7%, followed by Annapurna scheme (17%) and PMVVY (4.9%). The utilization of these schemes was found to be 34.0%, 11.6%, and 2.7%, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of economic violence among the geriatric population was in the form of neglect and property misuse. The knowledge and utilization of social security schemes were poor among the elderly.

Industrial Relation Climate and Provision of Labour Welfare Measures in Manufacturing Sector

The study was conducted on a sample population of 150 employees of two manufacturing units based in West Bengal, India. Mostly permanent workers at plant level and employees of the zonal offices were considered for the purpose of the study. The overall objectives of the study focus on finding the general causes of job dissatisfaction and industrial fatigue among workers in the manufacturing sector, including the problem of industrial relations and getting proper statutory labour welfare benefits. Improper job scheduling, overburden of work and job complexities were some of the major factors of industrial fatigues that had been detected from structured questionnaire survey. Though majority of the employees revealed that the general industrial climate was good, in many cases employees were not aware of the claim settlement procedure about various provisions under the Gratuity Act and ESI Act leading to delays and payments not being received in time. This study also established the fact that overall industrial relation climate, availability of welfare measures and awareness level of the employees about different social security schemes varies with the educational level, total tenure of the employees in the present company and total years of working experience of the employees in the manufacturing sector. Lastly, lack of proper trade union to reflect employee grievances, proper training and engagement programmes are the other causes of disengagement and attrition of employees in the manufacturing sector, as also reflected from this study.

CRITICAL REVIEW OF SOCIAL SECURITY WELFARE SCHEMES RUNNING FOR CASUAL LABOURERS IN INDIA

This research Paper is based on the objective of critically analysing the welfare schemes running for casual labourers in India. Casual Labourers comes from the informal sector of the economy and they do not have much required social security. They face lot of problems like low wages, long working hours, miserable working conditions, poor quality of life, low access to health, education and other basic facilities like housing, clean drinking water, good quality of food etc. In order to help them, many social security schemes are running in the country. Among them major ones are Pradhan Mantri Jeewan Jyoti Beema Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYM) Pension Scheme, One Nation One Ration Card, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Their knowledge about the welfare schemes is very low due to lack of awareness and illiteracy. Hence, being in a situation of dilemma, they are unable to take the benefits of the welfare schemes properly. This research paper aims at the critical review of these schemes and also focuses on finding the difficulties faced by casual labourers in achieving the benefits of these schemes, with the help of interview schedule method by taking interview of 100 workers of Kanpur Nagar. The major findings include improper implementation of welfare schemes due to corruption in some cases and poor execution of the objectives of the schemes at grass root level. Casual labourers also find it very difficult to understand properly about all the objectives of the schemes as they are not aware of the rules and regulations about a particular scheme. It seems that awareness campaigns, easy rules of execution of the schemes and regular quality check is required to make things better.

Exploring the Nexus Between Informal Workers and the Social Security Scheme in Ghana

Exploring the Nexus Between Informal Workers and the Social Security Scheme in Ghana

Awareness and utilization of social security and other government schemes by elderly population of Budge-Budge II block of West Bengal

Awareness and utilization of social security and other government schemes by elderly population of Budge-Budge II block of West Bengal

CSRM-framework for generating actionable knowledge for Social Security Schemes with a special focus on Ayushman Bharat

CSRM-framework for generating actionable knowledge for Social Security Schemes with a special focus on Ayushman Bharat

Gender, Security and Poverty in Africa: The Bane of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Nigeria is now experiencing complex existential challenges related to gender inequity, citizen security, and poverty. The establishment and maintenance of states are heavily influenced by gender dynamics, which are further compounded by the disruptive effects of economic and social inequalities. Non-state actors perpetuate discrimination and violence, specifically targeting women and girls, as a result of entrenched cultural norms that dictate stereotypical gender roles and relationships. The primary aim of the research is to examine the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals about gender, security, and poverty in Nigeria. The six geographical regions are descending into a state of ungovernability, as terror squads have completely taken control of rural and suburban communities. The paper's theoretical foundation is based on Robert Merton's Anomie Theory. The research used a methodical approach by using content analysis, specifically relying on secondary data. The study mostly gathered statistical data from reputable sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerian Living Standard Survey, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, and SDGs Base line reports. The findings indicate that implementing policies such as the Micro-Credit Scheme and Conditional Cash Transfer as part of Social Investment did not effectively address the issues of poverty and security. The results of the study indicate that gender inequality, insecurity, and poverty are still widespread in all aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, development is certain to be hindered. The article states that the expansion and implementation of universal social protection and social security schemes should not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, or education systems. The paper suggests In order to eradicate insecurity and poverty, it is imperative to develop more robust economies. This process starts by empowering women to transition from mere participation in the economy to attaining complete economic authority. Keywords: Bane, Gender, Security, SDGs and Poverty

Prime Minister Social Security Schemes - An Investigation into the Well-being of Rural Households

Abstract: Background: In order to establish a universal social security system for Indian citizens, especially the rural, marginalized, and vulnerable groups, the Indian government launched three ambitious social security schemes related to the insurance and pension sectors on May 9, 2015. Objective: This article is an attempt to investigate the effectiveness of these three social security schemes — Atal Pension Yojna, PM Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojna, and PM Suraksha Beema Yojna, in improving the well-being of the poor households from rural regions and the people from the unorganized section of the country. Methodology: This investigation is entirely based on secondary sources, particularly the research publications on the selected topic and the government documents, reports, policy announcements, and news sources. Findings: Focusing on the identified schemes and their respective benefits, the article critically investigated their achievements along with the various challenges faced in effectively executing these schemes. Conclusion: The researcher highlighted an urgent need for a multi-faceted approach involving policy adjustments, awareness campaigns, and targeted efforts to address the identified challenges in the effective execution of the identified social security schemes.

Insurance Scheme: Inequality in Untreated Caries and Tooth Loss

Objectives: In Thailand, access to dental care services varies based on different insurance schemes. Our objective was to determine the association of untreated caries and tooth loss with insurance schemes among adult population in Thailand. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Secondary data from oral examinations and a questionnaire administered during Thailand’s National Oral Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. Untreated caries and tooth loss were used as continuous dependent variables. Based on the insurance schemes, participants were categorized into four groups: Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS), Social Security Scheme (SSS), and “others” (uninsured, do not use, do not know). Poisson regression with robust variance and sampling weights was used to calculate the ratio of means (RM), and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for untreated caries and tooth loss, with adjustments for age, gender, and location. Results: A total of 4,534 participants were included. The mean age and number of untreated caries and tooth loss were 39.6±2.9 years, 0.9±1.7 teeth, and 2.2±3.1 teeth, respectively. In covariate-adjusted models, participants under the UCS showed a significantly higher chance of untreated caries compared to those under the CSMBS (RM=1.23, 95% CI=1.04–1.45). Regarding tooth loss, participants under the others category had a substantially higher chance of tooth loss compared with those with the CSMBS. (RM=1.37, 95% CI=1.02–1.85). Conclusions: Insurance schemes are predictors of untreated caries and tooth loss. Expansion of coverage of all insurance schemes to facilitate access to dental services is required.

Association between sociodemographic factors and health beliefs related to breast cancer screening behavior among Northern Thai women: a hospital-based study

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial for reducing mortality rates. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of demographics/social determinants of health on beliefs about the practice of self-breast examination, using mammogram and ultrasound in the context of breast cancer screening among Thai women in a hospital-based setting for implying program planning and future research. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two health centers in Chiang Mai Province from August 2021 to December 2021, involving 130 Thai women ages 40 to 70 years. Data were collected by a survey using a questionnaire to gather sociodemographic information, and health beliefs about breast cancer and screening behavior utilizing the modified Thai version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (MT-CHBMS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression models were employed for examining association between sociodemographic factors and health beliefs about the practice of self-breast examination (BSE), using mammogram (MG) and ultrasound (UTS). Health insurance schemes were associated with Benefit-MG, Barrier-BSE, Barrier-MG and Barrier-UTS subscales. Additionally, monthly income was associated with Barrier-MG and Barrier-UTS subscales. The most common barriers reported were “embarrassment”, “worry”, and “takes too much time”. To enhance breast cancer screening in Thailand, program planning and future research should focus on health insurance schemes, especially women with social security schemes, as they may be the most appropriate target group for intervention.

Review of Social Welfare Pension Schemes in Kerala – A Study with Special Focus on Pensioners Falling under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

Kerala is a state that is incomparable with many other states in India in matters of literacy, employment, social security, health, and many other social welfare initiatives. Social Security is the sum of all government regulations and provisions that aim at enhancing the people’s living conditions, including legislation/acts/laws, regulation, and planning in the fields of old age, wage, unemployment, social exclusion, sickness, and health care, and income security measures such as food security, employment, education and health, housing, social insurance, and social assistance. Financial assistance provided by the Government towards various pension schemes exhibits its concern for the privileged group in society. Various social welfare pension Schemes offered by Govt of Kerala include 1) Agriculture Labour Pension, 2) Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, 3) Indira Gandhi Nation Disabled Pension Scheme for Physically & Mentally Challenged Persons, 4) Pension to Unmarried Women above 50 Years and 5) Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. Social security protects people living in economic and social distress. It can "protect'' people against a fall in living standards and living conditions through ill-health, unemployment, and accidents, and also "promote" enhanced living conditions, helping the poor to overcome persistent deprivations. There has been a growing demand that the approach to social security programmers and schemes should progressively shift to a rights-based framework and should not be viewed merely from a welfare prism. Welfare scheme aims to support the vulnerable section of society. The present study aims to 1) understand various social welfare schemes adopted by Govt of Kerala, and 2) Assess the benefits and Woes of Widows who avails Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension. The present study is based on data collected from primary and secondary sources and suitable statistical tools will be used to analyse the collected data. The study reveals that even though it is one of the flagship initiatives of the Government of Kerala, it has many flaws. A better understanding of the woes of pension beneficiaries will help in better implementation of the project.

Mapping social protection coverage for platform workers: A comparative analysis of Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands

The aim of this paper is to examine if and how the reclassification of platform workers from self-employment status to employment status can provide them with adequate social security protection. Little is known about how this transition would guarantee platform workers adequate social protection within the social protection scheme for employees. National social security schemes, in particular income replacement benefit schemes, often (still) depart from the standard employment relationship, leading to lower protection for atypical work forms. Platform workers combine several of the characteristics of atypical forms of work, such as low earnings, irregular working patterns and working. Integrating platform workers into employee social security schemes faces additional challenges due to the online nature of their work, algorithmic management, high levels of unpaid labor, and employer identification difficulties. This paper focuses on unemployment protection, as EU Member States struggle to provide adequate protection for workers with irregular work patterns and income fluctuations, in the case of (short term) income replacement benefits. By constructing nine ideal work patterns reflective of diverse nature of platform work and current practices among platform work, we analyse how different types of ‘employed’ platform workers may fare within the legislation of three EU countries (Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands). This approach allows us to assess the applicability of unemployment protection to different working patterns among 'employed' platform workers, considering formal, effective, and adequate access to unemployment schemes as outlined in the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed (2019).

Effect of Seasonal Floods on Farmers’ Household Food Security in the Kassena Nankana Municipal of Ghana.

The Kassena Nankana Municipality has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of seasonal floods, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. These floods disrupt agricultural activities and exacerbate regional food insecurity. This study examined the extent to which floods affected local farmers’ food security. Interviews were conducted with 150 farm households from five different communities. To understand the nature, scope of the flooding and damages caused by the floods, descriptive statistics were employed. The floods’ effect on farmers’ food security were examined using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) econometric modelling. The Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Consumption Score (FCS) models were used to assess food security levels. The majority of the floods in the area were caused by heavy rains. These floods resulted in total asset losses of GHS 653,640.6 (USD 116,722.00), with maize crops bearing the brunt of the damage at GHS 106,712.00. (USD 19,056.00). Properties worth GHS 276,275.00 (USD 49,335.00) were destroyed, including houses, animal pens, storage rooms, bicycles, and motorbikes, and with estimated loss of 3,383 birds. Due to the floods, two people died and 201 people became ill. Food security was found to be positively associated with factors such as male-headed households, age, income, and access to credit. The size of a household had a negative impact on food security. The study recommended targeted policies to improve agricultural productivity and support smallholder farmers, such as loan and social security schemes, women’s empowerment, and the establishment of irrigation facilities to improve regional food security.

An Analysis of Direct Changes by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of Dalit Women Beneficiaries in Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is one of the largest social security scheme implemented in the world to ensure food and livelihood security to the marginalized sections of our country. The main objective of this scheme is to provide employment for a minimum of 100 days in a year to every family member willing to do unskilled manual labor in rural areas. The direct changes brought out by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of dalit women beneficiaries was found to be medium in this study. With regard to componentwise direct changes, medium level on total number of man days in a year, two persons being employed in a family, more than seven hours of daily working hours, daily wage rate of Rs. 200-Rs.300, with a medium level of migration after their participation in MGNREGA was reported in this study. Our policy planners at the national and state level, district administrators at the regional level and extension professionals at all levels need to be involved in strengthening this welfare scheme to achieve it’s desired objectives.

An Analysis of Direct Changes by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of Dalit Women Beneficiaries in Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is oneof the largest social security scheme implemented in the world to ensure foodand livelihood security to the marginalized sections of our country. The mainobjective of this scheme is to provide employment for a minimum of 100 days ina year to every family member willing to do unskilled manual labor in rural areas.The direct changes brought out by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of dalit womenbeneficiaries was found to be medium in this study. With regard to componentwisedirect changes, medium level on total number of man days in a year, twopersons being employed in a family, more than seven hours of daily workinghours, daily wage rate of Rs. 200-Rs.300, with a medium level of migration aftertheir participation in MGNREGA was reported in this study. Our policy plannersat the national and state level, district administrators at the regional level andextension professionals at all levels need to be involved in strengthening thiswelfare scheme to achieve it’s desired objectives.

The Role of Social Security Schemes in Reducing Poverty and Inequality: A Comparative Study in Southeast Region

Introduction: For countries and international organizations, the global problem of ending extreme poverty and reducing inequality is still very important. Even with strong economic growth and attempts to reduce poverty, a significant proportion of the world's population faces extreme financial difficulty.Objectives: This study evaluates Southeast Asian nations' social security systems—Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines—and contrasts their results with those of India. Its objective is to assess the effects of different social security programs—such as healthcare coverage, job benefits, and pension systems—on reducing poverty, reducing malnutrition, and enhancing educational opportunities.Methods: Using a quantitative analysis approach, this study examines the efficacy of social security programs from 2014 to 2024 using secondary data from government papers and international organizations.Results: The results show that different countries have had different levels of success in raising socioeconomic indices. The analysis shows the successes and difficulties in using tailored social security measures to combat poverty and inequality.Conclusions: Compared to India, the study highlights the differences in the results of social security schemes in Southeast Asia. It offers important lessons for bettering policy by illuminating the advantages and disadvantages of these initiatives in reducing severe poverty and inequality

Adequate and sustainable social security for all: responses in a new context

Introduction: Social security in old age is one of the fundamental human rights. The current global tendency in population aging forces one to search for new, innovative solutions that will ensure that future pension schemes will be tailored to the generational needs and will fulfill the conditions to ensure a decent life for the elderly.Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyze the context of current efforts to ensure adequate pension scheme levels and to summarize possible solutions of this problem.Materials and methods: The author describes the demographic situation and social security in different areas of the world, focusing on a case study and analyzing existing data from international opinions.Results: Social security reforms must take full account of how social security schemes can support people particularly at risk in poverty in their working lives. It’s essential for social security to be flexible and adaptable to current life cycle patterns and individual needs.

Difficult-to-treat axial spondyloarthritis is associated with psoriasis, peripheral involvement and comorbidities: results of an observational nationwide study

ObjectivesTo determine the cumulative incidence and identify the factors associated with difficult-to-treat axial spondyloarthritis (D2T-axSpA) in French patients newly benefiting from the French ‘long-term illness’ (LTI) social security scheme for...

Stroke care pathways according to rural-urban residency

Abstract Context There is concern in France about geographical access to health care, particularly in remote areas with scarce medical services. The objective of our study was to compare the care pathway of stroke patients according to their residence context (rural/urban) and their affiliation to the “agricultural social security” scheme (“MSA”). Methods The study population included ischaemic strokes occurring between 2010 and 2013 in the 79 communes covered by the Brest stroke register (BSR). State sequence analysis using BSR data linked to medico-administrative records led to the construction of a typology of care pathways encompassing a period of 12 months before and after stroke occurrence. The associations between the typology, communal density (3 levels: dense, intermediate, and sparse), and affiliation to MSA were analysed by multinomial logistic regression. Results The study involved 2499 strokes (men 47%, mean age 71 years) distributed equally between the three levels of density. The pathway typology identifies a 1st group of severe strokes (n = 539). Pre-stroke care consumption distinguishes the 2nd (high consumption, n = 844) and 3rd (low, n = 1117) groups. Communal density was not associated with the pathway type, although the use of post-hospitalisation care was lower in the intermediate density (e.g. use of GP services in the year: 85% versus 92%, p < 10-3). Affiliation to MSA (n = 389, 16%) was positively associated with the low care consumption group. MSA patients had a lower prevalence of diabetes (10.5 versus 14.4%, p = 0.05) but a higher prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia (29% versus 22%, p < 0.01). Stroke occurred significantly later in these patients (e.g. mean age in men: 76 versus 70, p < 10-3). Conclusions In the BSR territory, stroke patients’ pathway did not vary according to communal density suggesting equitable access to care. The unexpected result of higher age at stroke occurrence among MSA patients (reflecting lower incidence) requests further investigation. Key messages • Access to stroke care was comparable in rural and urban areas of Brittany, France. • Affiliation to the agricultural social security scheme was associated with lower risk of stroke.

A Study on Financial Inclusion and Investment Decision Through Atal Pension Yojana (Apy)

Atal Pension Yojana is a government backed pension scheme provided in India at unorganised sector.It was launched by prime minister Narendra Modi on 9th may2015.APY is emerging as the most popular social security scheme under the National Pension System( NPS) APY providing multiple benefits like fixed guaranteed pension, tax savings, pension to spouse on any unforeseen event and encouraging saving and investing no matter how small the amount.It is observed to be an effective financial inclusion programme which facilitates inclusive growth and social security among people from unorganised sector.