The Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment is promoting greater mobility, independent living and timely assistance for senior citizens under the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) through the components namely Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, Elderline and the Training of Geriatric Caregivers.

The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), launched in 2017 and implemented through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), provides free assisted-living devices to senior citizens belonging to BPL categories and low-income groups who suffer from age-related disabilities and infirmities.

Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids and spectacles are provided free of cost to improve accessibility, mobility and independent living among senior citizens.

From FY 2017-18 to FY 2025-26, a total of 589 camps were organised under the scheme, benefiting 8,53,728 senior citizens through the distribution of 46,32,716 assistive devices.

In FY 2017-18, 26 camps were organised, benefiting 34,293 senior citizens through the distribution of 1,14,661 devices. In FY 2018-19, 69 camps benefited 64,701 senior citizens with 5,09,113 devices. This was followed by 43 camps covering 44,476 beneficiaries and distributing 2,73,460 devices in FY 2019-20.

In FY 2020-21, 51 camps benefited 18,177 senior citizens through 1,36,286 devices. During FY 2021-22, 49 camps covered 40,906 beneficiaries and distributed 2,73,589 devices. In FY 2022-23, 40 camps benefited 97,274 senior citizens through the distribution of 6,13,488 devices.

In FY 2023-24, 83 camps were organised, benefiting 63,331 senior citizens with 3,18,874 devices. During FY 2024-25, 72 camps covered 1,54,172 beneficiaries and distributed 7,50,971 devices. In FY 2025-26, 156 camps benefited 3,36,398 senior citizens through the distribution of 16,42,274 assistive devices.

 

The Elderline - National Helpline for Senior Citizens (14567) was dedicated to the nation on 1 October 2021. It provides free information, guidance, emotional support and field-intervention services to senior citizens.

Operational in almost all States and Union Territories, Elderline has emerged as an important support mechanism for addressing issues relating to abuse, abandonment, rescue, emotional distress and access to welfare services.

From FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, ₹162.21 crore was released to the National Institute of Social Defence for implementation of the initiative. During this period, the helpline received more than 29 lakh calls.

The scheme for Training of Geriatric Caregivers was launched in FY 2023-24 to address the growing demand for trained caregivers and strengthen professional geriatric care services.

From FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26, a total of 35,480 candidates were trained under the programme. During the same period, ₹81.34 crore was released to the National Institute of Social Defence for its implementation.

Through the provision of assistive devices, accessible helpline services and trained caregivers, AVYAY is creating a comprehensive support ecosystem that enables senior citizens to live safer, healthier, more independent and dignified lives.

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