Social and Economic Implications of Old Age Allowance in Nepal: A Study of Kathmandu District (Ward Number 33)

Abstract

Our assumption was that the money disbursed in the form of Old Age Allowance (OAA) in Nepal should have helped in lessening at least some of the financial burdens of its recipients while also enriching their social status and honor as senior citizens. With this assumption and the limitations of time and money, Ward Number 33 of Kathmandu District was selected as our study site. The objective of this study to explore and identify key implications of OAA specifically on the aspects of social and economic life of elderlies. The findings of this study are the outcomes of the analysis of data obtained through fifty face to face household surveys and direct observation of the first author during the fieldwork of five months in 2013. The study results revealed moderate implications of OAA on economic as well as social life of elderlies, however with greater insinuations for the earlier facet compared to later. Participants deemed a significant increment in the amount of OAA for its better outcomes. The value of OAA in 2013 was Nepalese Rupees (Nrs.) 500 which was considered very nominal by all participants. Most of the participants argued that the senior citizens in Nepal should also receive decent discounts/concessions at least on all modes of public transportation as well as health facilities. We strongly recommend that the ministries of Nepal, chiefly, Finance; Women, Children and Senior Citizens; and Federal Affairs and General Administration, including their line agencies must undertake timely reviews and rigorous evaluations of the effectiveness of OAA in compliance with the principles of social security system to ensure social security benefits of the senior citizens of the country.

Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 7, Issue-4: 248-255