The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced several initiatives aimed at addressing the diverse needs of elderly individuals. These programs, developed in collaboration with state governments, NGOs, and civil society, seek to enhance the quality of life and promote dignity among senior citizens.
One such scheme, the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), encompasses various components to cater to the requirements of senior citizens. Among these components are:
Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): This initiative provides grants to Non-Governmental/Voluntary Organizations for the operation and maintenance of Senior Citizens’ Homes, offering facilities such as shelter, nutrition, healthcare, and entertainment to indigent senior citizens. Presently, 639 projects across the country have received grants under IPSrC.
State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC): Under this component, states and union territories receive grants for the training of Geriatric Caregivers, conducting special drives for Cataract Surgeries, and implementing state-specific activities for the welfare of senior citizens in need.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): This scheme aims to assist senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities by providing them with assisted living devices. These devices, distributed through camps, help restore near-normal bodily functions, benefiting over 3,64,001 senior citizens across 354 camps.
Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizens (14567): A toll-free helpline operational in 31 states and union territories, providing free information, guidance, emotional support, and intervention in cases of abuse or rescue for senior citizens.
Senior-care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE): This initiative supports innovative solutions for elderly care by identifying and encouraging start-ups to develop products, processes, and services for the welfare of the elderly, providing equity support of up to Rs.1 Crore per project.
Geriatric Caregivers Training: To address the growing demand for professional caregivers, this component focuses on training dedicated manpower in geriatric care. So far, 3,180 geriatric caregivers have undergone training through this program.