AVYAY Scheme Proves Effective for Senior Citizens' Welfare, Over 10.76 Lakh Elderly Benefit

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released a total of ₹1089.58 crore under the 'Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSRC)' and the 'State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSRC)' to promote the welfare, security, and dignified life of elderly citizens.

Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sudhansh Pant, stated that over 10.76 lakh senior citizens have been provided assistance through the IPSRC program between the financial years 2014-15 and 2025-26. Approximately ₹953.53 crore was spent under this specific program during this period.

According to Mr. Pant, the Central Government is strengthening institutional and community-based support systems for the elderly through the 'Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)'. This comprehensive scheme includes measures such as shelter, food, healthcare, assistive devices, helpline services, capacity building, and training for caregivers. The core components of AVYAY include IPSRC, SAPSRC, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), Elderline-National Helpline for senior citizens, and caregiver training.

Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSRC), basic facilities such as food, shelter, recreation, and medical care are provided to the elderly. The program encourages active aging by enhancing the capacity of government institutions, Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Meanwhile, a total of ₹136.05 crore has been released so far under the 'State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSRC)', which was launched in the financial year 2019-20. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to states and union territories to implement measures according to their specific needs. Activities such as awareness campaigns, sensitization programs, and cataract surgeries are being conducted under this initiative.