"EXPLORING ACCESS: ANALYSING AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF GOVERNMENT WELFARE SCHEMES AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE KONKAN REGION"

Abstract

This research paper explores the awareness and utilization of government welfare schemes among senior citizens in the Konkan division of India. Utilizing data collected from 750 participants across seven districts, the study dissects the levels of awareness and the extent of utilization of these schemes, shedding light on the gaps that need addressing to enhance the well-being of the elderly population. Introduction Government welfare schemes play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of senior citizens. Yet, the effectiveness of these programs largely depends on how well they are known and utilized by the community they aim to serve. This analysis seeks to investigate the levels of awareness and utilization among senior citizens in the Konkan division, providing a basis for potential improvements in outreach and education. Methodology The study surveyed 750 senior citizens across seven districts in the Konkan division. The data collection involved a structured questionnaire focusing on the respondents’ awareness and utilization of various government welfare schemes. The collected data were analysed using SPSS 24.0, with results presented in tables and graphs for clear understanding. The findings reveal that the majority of senior citizens possess moderate awareness of government health schemes, with 491 out of 750 (65.47%) categorizing their awareness as moderate. Only 15.07% reported having good awareness, while 19.47% demonstrated poor awareness This suggests that there is significant room for educational initiatives to enhance understanding of available schemes.

• District-wise Awareness Distribution:Analysing awareness levels by district clearly indicates disparities: Palghar: 2% of residents reported good awareness. Thane: 27.4% showed good awareness. Sindhudurg: Only 2.7% reported good awareness, highlighting critical gaps in knowledge.
• Mumbai Suburban:A staggering 67.8% of seniors were categorized as having poor awareness, indicating a pressing need for targeted interventions. Utilization of Government Welfare Schemes
• Utilization Rates:The study articulates that utilization rates of government welfare schemes vary significantly. For instance, while 68.8% of seniors utilized free OPD care services at government hospitals, other services, such as free physiotherapy, exhibited alarmingly low utilization rates of 0% Scheme-specific Utilization Insights: The analysis shows a stark contrast in usage. Free supportive devices: 6% of senior citizens utilized these resources, indicating high engagement where awareness is present. Conversely, less publicized services, such as separate queues for elderly persons in hospitals, had only 5.2% utilization, suggesting awareness alone does not drive utilization when information is not effectively communicated. Conclusion The analysis of awareness and utilization of government welfare schemes among senior citizens in the Konkan division reveals that while there is some degree of awareness, it is predominantly moderate and varies drastically across districts. Moreover, utilization rates often do not correspond proportionally with awareness levels, highlighting additional barriers to access or engagement with these services. By focusing on the analysis of awareness and utilization, the study contributes essential insights into the effectiveness of welfare schemes designed for senior citizens in the Konkan division, offering a basis for informed policy adjustments and outreach strategies.