Researcher

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has provisionally sanctioned Rs. 16 lakhs under its Special Call for Vision Viksit Bharat@2047 initiative for a research project focused on the elderly population in rural India. The project, titled “Preserving the Dignity of the Aging Population: An Impact Evaluation of Social Security on Financial and Psychological Well-being in Rural India,” seeks to evaluate the social security measures in place for the aging demographic and their effectiveness in ensuring both financial stability and psychological well-being.

Overview of the Research

With the rapid growth of India's elderly population, especially in rural areas, the need to safeguard their dignity and enhance their quality of life during old age has become increasingly urgent. The study will explore various aspects of social security that contribute to the well-being of the elderly, aiming to ensure that they live with dignity and fulfillment.

The research aligns with key global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like poverty reduction (SDG-1), ensuring good health and well-being (SDG-3), and reducing inequalities (SDG-10).

Key Objectives

The project has set several critical objectives:

• Understanding the Status of Elderly Well-being: By examining the living conditions and challenges faced by the elderly in rural India, the study aims to highlight the factors that preserve their dignity.
• Evaluation of Social Security Schemes: The research will assess the impact of existing government social security schemes designed for the elderly and explore areas for improvement.
• Policy Recommendations: Based on its findings, the study will offer insights and recommendations to policymakers to address gaps and enhance the effectiveness of current social security policies.

Expected Outcomes

The study is expected to shed light on the unique challenges faced by elderly populations in rural areas and the effectiveness of current government initiatives. By identifying the critical factors affecting their well-being, the project will contribute to the creation of better policies that are more inclusive, effective, and attuned to the needs of rural elderly citizens.

Research Team

This multi-disciplinary research project is spearheaded by a team of experts from different academic fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the study:

• Dr. Jivan Biradar, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Accounting, School of Economics and Commerce, MIT World Peace University, Pune
• Dr. Bijeta Mishra, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, SRM University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
• Dr. Shraddha Kokane, Assistant Professor, School of Business, MIT World Peace University, Pune
• Dr. Sasmita Behera, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Public Policy, School of Economics and Commerce, MIT World Peace University, Pune
• Dr. Kavita Ingale, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Public Policy, School of Economics and Commerce, MIT World Peace University, Pune

Conclusion

As India moves towards its vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, research such as this plays a pivotal role in ensuring that vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are not left behind. By providing insights into the financial and psychological well-being of the elderly in rural India, this study will guide policymakers and stakeholders in designing more effective social security measures that preserve dignity and promote well-being.