Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana Strengthens Integrated Care and Support for Senior Citizens

Key Highlights:

• The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides integrated care for senior citizens.
• It comprises three key components: Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC), and Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs).
• IPSrC currently supports 764 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units, and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics.
• The scheme aims to promote welfare, institutional support, and state-level initiatives, particularly for indigent senior citizens.

Detailed Insights:

• IPSrC offers residential care, support services, and mobile healthcare, focusing on shelter and care for indigent senior citizens.
• SAPSrC provides financial aid to State/UT Governments for initiatives like geriatric caregiver training and cataract surgery drives.
• States and UTs can utilize up to 20% of their SAPSrC funds for state-specific welfare programs.
• RRTCs receive ₹19.58 lakh annually to function as regional nodal agencies for capacity building, training, research, and advocacy on ageing.
• AVYAY collectively strengthens institutions, promotes awareness, and supports evidence-based interventions for India's ageing population.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): An umbrella scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the welfare and integrated care of senior citizens.
• Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): A component of AVYAY providing financial aid for establishing and maintaining facilities for senior citizens.
• State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC): A component of AVYAY supporting state-level planning and capacity building for elderly welfare.
• Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs): Institutional support under AVYAY for capacity building, training, research, and advocacy on ageing.