Rights of the elderly: A comparative study of awareness among the elderly in Kanpur and Lucknow

Abstract

This research paper investigates the disparities in awareness levels of welfare schemes and provisions among residents of Kanpur and Lucknow, India. The study reveals significant differences in awareness rates between the two cities for various initiatives. For instance, awareness of the Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme was lower in Kanpur (23.3%) compared to Lucknow (33.0%), with similar discrepancies observed for the Atal Pension Yojna and the Indira Gandhi National Pension Plan for Widows. Notably, awareness levels regarding the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana also differed significantly between Kanpur and Lucknow. Additionally, variations were observed in awareness regarding provisions such as senior citizens' allocation of seats on buses and railway concessions. Furthermore, the study found a significant correlation between senior citizens' preferences and the provision of lower berths in Indian railways, as well as their opinions on setting up dedicated lines for elderly patients in hospitals. These findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to improve awareness and ensure equitable access to welfare initiatives across different regions in India.