ActionAid Association (AAA), in collaboration with the Department of Health Services in the districts of Kupwara, Pulwama and Budgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has worked to ensure old age pensions for senior citizens in these districts. The partnership aimed at addressing the challenges elderly people face and providing them the support they need to lead a dignified life during their golden years. By registering eligible individuals for old age pensions, this initiative promotes social welfare and inclusivity.

The Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir passed an order to verify the documents submitted to avail pension under the Integrated Social Security Scheme. AAA proposed to the District Social Welfare Departments of these three districts to collaborate to spread awareness of the old age pension scheme and support the identification and registration process. The District Social Welfare Officers appreciated the proposal of AAA and appointed community educators from the organization. The community educators also provided door-to-door assistance, reaching out to many families in particular need. In collaboration with the Department of Health Services, AAA also conducted surveys in the Kupwara and Budgam districts of the Kashmir region to identify elderly individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for old age pensions.

AAA initiated a comprehensive registration process to enrol eligible elderly individuals for old age pensions, which involved collecting necessary documents such as age proof and address proof required to verify eligibility and ensure accurate disbursement of pensions.

A series of awareness programmes related to the old age pension scheme and its process at community levels was conducted by AAA in the districts Kupwara, Pulwama and Budgam to educate the elderly about the benefits of old age pensions as well as the registration process, rights and entitlements available to them.

The collaborative efforts of AAA and the Department of Health Services of Kupwara, Pulwama and Budgam represented a significant step towards ensuring old age pension for the elderly in these regions. By identifying and registering eligible individuals, this initiative enhanced the quality of life and provided financial security to the elderly in their golden years. This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration and collective efforts in promoting social welfare, inclusivity and dignified ageing.

The total reach of the beneficiaries by AA for old age pension was 2,730, of which 1,700 obtained benefits from the scheme. The beneficiaries included 935 females and 765 men.