The Central Government is running several welfare schemes to improve the lives of senior citizens across India.
Through the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY), elderly citizens receive support such as shelter, healthcare, assistive devices, and emergency help.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma shared the latest progress of these schemes in the Lok Sabha.
According to the government, over 7.68 lakh senior citizens have received benefits under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana since FY 2021-22, while more than 8.41 lakh elderly people have received assistance through the Elderline helpline.
Free Shelter and Healthcare for Senior Citizens
Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), financial support is provided to eligible organizations that run old-age homes, continuing care homes, mobile medical units, and physiotherapy centers.
The scheme focuses on providing food, shelter, healthcare, and recreational facilities to needy and destitute senior citizens. The government has also introduced minimum standards for senior care and accessible infrastructure.
Since FY 2021-22, over 6.98 lakh senior citizens have benefited from this programme.
In addition, the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) allows states and union territories to introduce welfare programmes based on local needs.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: Free Assistive Devices
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) provides free assistive devices to senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities or those with a monthly income of up to ₹15,000.
The scheme is implemented by ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) and aims to improve mobility
and daily life for elderly citizens. Since FY 2021-22, 7,68,749 senior citizens have received benefits under this scheme.
Elderline 14567 Offers Free Support
The government also operates Elderline (14567), a national helpline for senior citizens. The service is available every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Senior citizens can use the helpline for free information, guidance, emotional support, and rescue assistance in cases of abuse, neglect, or distress.
Since its launch on October 1, 2021, the helpline has helped 8,41,734 senior citizens across 34 states and union territories.
Government Promotes Caregiver Training and Senior Care Startups
To strengthen elderly care services, the government has also launched programmes to train caregivers and encourage innovation.
Under the PM-SPECIAL Scheme, launched in FY 2023-24, 38,893 geriatric caregivers have been trained so far, helping improve elderly care across the country.
The SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) Initiative supports startups developing technology-based solutions for senior citizens.
Eligible startups can receive equity support of up to ₹1 crore. So far, nine startups working in healthcare and assistive technology have received support under the initiative.
