Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
Why in News?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted the progress of the Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs), which act as nodal agencies to monitor elderly care projects and provide technical support.
About
- Long-term Care Infrastructure: Reports emphasized the scheme's focus on bridging the care-dependency gap, as nearly 23.8% of Indian seniors suffer from limitations in activities of daily living.
- Expansion of Coverage: The government recently invited fresh applications from NGOs to run Senior Citizen Homes in "gap districts"—areas previously lacking dedicated old age infrastructure.
Objective
- To improve the quality of life for senior citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, and medical care, while promoting active and productive ageing.
Key Features
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Provides grants to NGOs/voluntary organisations to run Senior Citizen Homes, Continuous Care Homes, and Mobile Medicare Units.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Provides free assisted living devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles) to seniors in the BPL category or with a monthly income up to ₹15,000.
- Elderline (14567): A national toll-free helpline providing information, guidance, and emotional support, active across 31 States/UTs from 8 AM to 8 PM.
- Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE): Encourages start-ups to develop innovative products for the elderly by providing equity support up to ₹1 Crore.
- SACRED Portal: A dedicated platform for Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity, matching retired professionals with job opportunities.
Funding & Reach
- It is a Central Sector Scheme where the central government provides 100% of the project cost for many components.
- As of early 2026, the scheme has established over 550 Senior Citizen Homes and distributed nearly 8.5 lakh assistive devices nationwide.
- Additional Initiatives: Includes the Poshan Abhiyan for Elderly (nutritional support) and specialized training for a cadre of professional geriatric caregivers.
-
Download Pdf
