The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organised a distribution programme under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), in the National Capital here today.

During the programme, 662 aids and assistive devices, costing over ₹10 lakh, were distributed to 114 senior citizens residing in Senior Citizen Homes across Delhi-NCR.

The aids and assistive devices were distributed by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, and Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.

 

Shri Sajeesh Kumar N., Joint Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri Praveen Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Virendra Kumar recalled that the International Day of Older Persons was observed across the country yesterday (October 1, 2026) and aids and assistive devices were distributed to 904 senior citizens at Bhavnagar, Gujarat on the occasion. He appreciated the contribution of youth, NGOs and civil society organizations in facilitating such initiatives and supporting senior citizens.

Dr. Virendra Kumar observed that senior citizens often experience difficulties relating to hearing, mobility and vision with advancing age. He stated that the Ministry has decided to expand the distribution of assistive devices to beneficiaries residing in Senior Citizens’ Homes across the country, in consonance with the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the completion of 25 years in governance.

The Minister emphasized that access to appropriate assistive devices can help senior citizens become more self-reliant in carrying out their daily activities and lead their lives with greater dignity and confidence.

Highlighting the significant contributions made by senior citizens in diverse fields, including agriculture, literature and the armed forces, Dr. Virendra Kumar noted that many elderly persons also face challenges arising from loneliness and social isolation. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure that senior citizens are able to live their lives with dignity, respect and honour.

He called upon youth, corporates, NGOs and organizations working for the welfare of senior citizens to come forward and contribute towards building an inclusive society, in keeping with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas outlined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Dr. Virendra Kumar further noted that, according to Census 2011, India has 10.38 crore senior citizens, with approximately 70 per cent residing in rural areas. Emphasising the Government’s efforts to improve accessibility to welfare services, he stated that the Ministry plans to increase the number of PM-Divya Asha Kendras from 109 to 300 so that senior citizens can access assistive devices and related services more conveniently and without undue waiting.

Addressing the gathering, Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, welcomed the senior citizens and highlighted the importance of the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, launched by the Department on April 1, 2017, under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to benefit senior citizens in need of aids and assistive devices.

Shri B. L. Verma lauded the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by senior citizens in the nation-building process. He also highlighted the initiatives being undertaken by the Department to promote inter-generational bonding and reduce the generation gap, while ensuring greater social inclusion and participation of senior citizens.

Shri Verma expressed the hope that senior citizens across the country would continue to contribute their experience, knowledge and wisdom towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Shri Praveen Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, ALIMCO, highlighted the performance and efficiency of ALIMCO in implementing the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana under the guidance of Dr. Virendra Kumar. He also underscored the use of Artificial Intelligence by ALIMCO to better serve senior citizens in the coming years.

The programme concluded with the Hon’ble Ministers, along with the invited senior citizens, offering floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi , Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri & Dr B R Ambedkar.

The programme reflects the Government’s continued commitment towards ensuring the dignity, independence and well-being of senior citizens, while strengthening access to aids and assistive devices and enabling them to lead a more self-reliant and dignified life.

The programme reflects the Government’s continued commitment to promoting the dignity, independence, inclusion and well-being of senior citizens. Through initiatives such as the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, the Government is strengthening access to assistive devices and enabling senior citizens, particularly those in need, to lead more independent, self reliant, dignified and fulfilling lives.

It is pertinent to mention that Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at providing physical aids and assisted-living devices to senior citizens in need, thereby supporting their mobility, independence and quality of life. The programme seeks to facilitate greater social inclusion and enable senior citizens to participate more independently in everyday life.

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PR-152-TAR/KV/GA/RK

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