AVYAY Strengthens Welfare, Care and Dignified Living for Senior Citizens Across India Institutional Care and State-Specific Support for Senior Citizens

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment has released approximately ₹1089.58 Crores under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) and State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC).
• Over 10.76 lakh senior citizens have benefited under IPSrC from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26.
• The Central Government is strengthening senior citizen welfare through the comprehensive Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY).
• AVYAY promotes healthy, productive, and dignified ageing by strengthening institutional and community-based support systems.

Detailed Insights:

• AVYAY encompasses interventions like shelter, food, healthcare, assistive devices, helpline services, and caregiver training.
• Major components of AVYAY include IPSrC, SAPSrC, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), and Elderline-National Helpline for Senior Citizens.
• IPSrC provides essential facilities such as shelter, food, medical care, and recreational support to senior citizens.
• It also promotes active ageing through capacity building of government institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and NGOs.
• SAPSrC, launched in FY 2019-20, provides financial assistance to States and UTs for implementing locally relevant interventions.
• Interventions under SAPSrC include awareness campaigns, sensitization programs, and cataract surgeries.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY): An umbrella scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment for the welfare and dignified living of senior citizens.
• Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): A component of AVYAY providing basic amenities and promoting active ageing for senior citizens.
• State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC): A component of AVYAY offering financial aid to states for tailored interventions for senior citizens.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): A scheme providing physical aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities.