The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provided a comprehensive update on the implementation of welfare programmes for senior citizens under the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY). Minister of State Shri B. L. Verma shared these details in a written reply to Lok Sabha member Shri Ganesh Singh.
Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), the Ministry provides grant-in-aid to eligible organizations for operating Senior Citizen Homes, Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units, and Physiotherapy Clinics. The programme has benefitted over 6.98 lakh senior citizens since FY 2021-22, ensuring access to shelter, food, healthcare, recreation, and opportunities for active ageing. The Ministry has prescribed Minimum Standards for Senior Citizen Homes to promote accessible infrastructure and quality care.
The State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) supports State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in implementing state-specific welfare initiatives based on local priorities. This scheme has been operational since FY 2019-20, enabling customized interventions for senior citizen welfare.
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) provides free physical aids and assisted living devices to senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities with monthly income up to ₹15,000. Implemented through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), the scheme has benefitted 7,68,749 senior citizens since FY 2021-22, helping restore mobility and independence.
The Elderline national helpline (14567) operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, providing free information, guidance, emotional support, and field intervention for abuse cases and rescue. Since its dedication to the nation on 1 October 2021, the helpline has served 8,41,734 senior citizens across 34 States and Union Territories.
Under PM-SPECIAL (System of Providing Elder Care in House and Assisted Living), the Ministry has trained 38,893 geriatric caregivers since its inception in FY 2023-24, strengthening the professional caregiving ecosystem. The Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative supports innovation in elderly care by providing equity support of up to ₹1 crore to eligible startups developing technology-driven solutions. Nine startups have been supported so far in areas including healthcare, assisted living, and age-friendly technologies.
The Government regularly reviews AVYAY implementation through stakeholder consultations and third-party evaluations to assess emerging needs. The National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 continues to provide the policy framework for addressing healthcare, financial security, assisted living, digital inclusion, and active ageing issues.