The Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment has approximately released Rs 1089.58 Crores under Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) and State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) programmes. More than 10.76 lakh senior citizens have been benefitted under Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26, across the country.

Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment Shri Sudhansh Pant informed that approximately Rs 953.53 Crores were expended under IPSrC programme from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26.

Shri Pant said the Central Government is strengthening the welfare, care, protection and dignity of senior citizens through the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY). The comprehensive scheme promotes healthy, productive and dignified ageing by strengthening institutional and community-based support systems across the country.

Shri Pant said AVYAY encompasses interventions relating to shelter, food, healthcare, assistive devices, helpline services, capacity building, caregiver training and active ageing.

He said its major components include the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC), Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), Elderline-National Helpline for Senior Citizens and the Training of Geriatric Caregivers.

Shri Pant said the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) provides essential facilities such as shelter, food, medical care and recreational support to senior citizens. It also promotes productive and active ageing through capacity building of Government institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions, urban local bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations and community-based organizations, he added.

The Secretary said a total of Rs 136.05 Crore has been released under State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) launched in FY 2019-20 adding that the Scheme is aimed to provide financial assistance to States and Union Territories for implementing interventions based on their specific requirements.

Shri Pant added that the interventions undertaken under the component include awareness campaigns, sensitization programmes, cataract surgeries and other measures aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.

He added that through IPSrC and SAPSrC, the Government is strengthening institutional care and enabling States and Union Territories to develop locally relevant interventions for the protection, welfare and empowerment of senior citizens.

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