The Government of India is implementing a comprehensive range of welfare programmes for senior citizens under the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) to promote healthy, dignified and active ageing across the country. The details were shared by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, in a written reply to Shri Ganesh Singh in Lok Sabha.

Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), the Ministry provides grant-in-aid to eligible organisations for operating Senior Citizen Homes, Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units and Physiotherapy Clinics. The programme seeks to improve the quality of life of indigent senior citizens by ensuring access to shelter, food, healthcare, recreation and opportunities for active and productive ageing. The Ministry has also prescribed Minimum Standards for Senior Citizen Homes to promote accessible infrastructure and quality care. Since FY 2021-22, the programme has benefitted over 6.98 lakh senior citizens across the country.

The State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) supports State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in implementing State-specific welfare initiatives based on local priorities and requirements. The scheme has been under implementation since FY 2019-20, enabling States and UTs to undertake customised interventions for the welfare of senior citizens.

The Ministry is also implementing the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) to provide free physical aids and assisted living devices to senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities and having a monthly income of up to ₹15,000. Implemented through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), the scheme has benefitted 7,68,749 senior citizens across the country since FY 2021-22, helping restore mobility, independence and improved quality of life.

The Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizens (14567), operational from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, provides free information, guidance, emotional support and field intervention in cases of abuse and rescue. Since its dedication to the Nation on 1 October 2021, the helpline has served 8,41,734 senior citizens, offering timely assistance and support across 34 States and Union Territories.

To address the growing demand for skilled elderly care professionals, the Ministry is implementing PM-SPECIAL (System of Providing Elder Care in House and Assisted Living). Since its inception in FY 2023-24, 38,893 geriatric caregivers have been trained, strengthening the country's professional caregiving ecosystem and expanding quality elder care services.

The Government is also promoting innovation in elderly care through the Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative. Under this initiative, eligible start-ups receive equity support of up to ₹1 crore to develop technology-driven solutions for senior citizens. Since its inception, nine start-ups have been supported, encouraging innovation in healthcare, assisted living and age-friendly technologies.

The Government regularly reviews the implementation of AVYAY through stakeholder consultations and independent third-party evaluations to assess emerging needs and improve service delivery. The Ministry further informed that the National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 continues to provide the policy framework for addressing issues relating to healthcare, financial security, assisted living, digital inclusion and active ageing.

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that senior citizens across the country receive accessible healthcare, social security, rehabilitation support, assisted living services and opportunities for active ageing through a robust network of welfare initiatives, thereby advancing the Government's vision of an inclusive, dignified and age-friendly society.

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