Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana Strengthens India’s Commitment to Dignified Ageing

Key Highlights:

• An amount of ₹ 77.98 Crore has been released as Grant-In-Aid for 755 projects under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) component of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
• AVYAY is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment, launched in 2021.
• The scheme embodies the principles of 'Ageing with Dignity' and 'Ageing in Place' for senior citizens.
• It subsumed and expanded the earlier National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC), unifying interventions for senior citizens.

Detailed Insights:

• India's senior citizen population is projected to reach 23 crore by 2036, up from 10.38 crore in Census 2011.
• The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) highlights functional limitations among older persons, underscoring the need for reliable care.
• Increasing urbanisation, migration, and nuclear households are changing traditional family support structures, making community-based care vital.
• AVYAY aims to provide functional support, shelter, food, healthcare, and recreational services to promote active ageing.
• The scheme strengthens the capacities of governments, NGOs, local bodies, and communities to support older persons.
• Implementation involves State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) and district-level monitoring committees chaired by District Collectors.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): A comprehensive scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the welfare of senior citizens.
• Ageing with Dignity: Providing respectful and empowering care that recognizes the lifelong contributions of senior citizens.
• Ageing in Place: Enabling older persons to live safely in their own homes and communities with suitable support and services.