पत्र सूचना कार्यालय

India is undergoing a quiet demographic shift. As per Census 2011, the total population of Senior Citizens (aged 60 and above) is 10.38 crores. Out of this, population of males and females are 5.11 crore and 5.27 crore respectively. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), highlights that a substantial proportion of elderly individuals experience functional limitations. This underscores the growing need for structured and reliable care systems. At the same time, traditional family support for India’s elderly is weakening due to increasing urbanization, migration, and the rise of nuclear households.

Launched in 2021, the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) subsumed and expanded the earlier National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC), bringing multiple senior citizen welfare interventions under a single umbrella scheme. The scheme aims to provide functional support and promote active ageing of senior citizens. It does so by providing shelter, food, healthcare, and recreational support. It also promotes active and productive ageing through capacity building of governments, NGOs, local bodies, and communities. The scheme reflects the Government's strong commitment towards "Ageing with Dignity" and "Ageing at Place”. Ageing with dignity ensures senior citizens receive respectful, empowering care that honours their lifelong contributions. Ageing at place complements this by allowing seniors to remain in their own homes and communities safely, rather than relocating to assisted living. This is made possible by utilising adaptable home modifications and specialised community support systems.

India's elderly population is projected to reach 23 crores by 2036, underscoring the growing need for a comprehensive support system for senior citizens. Through AVYAY, the Government seeks to address this demographic shift by strengthening institutional mechanisms and promoting community-based support, enabling older persons to lead dignified, fulfilling and meaningful lives. Reflecting its continued commitment, the Government released ₹ 77.98 crores as grant-in-aid to 755 projects under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSr.C) component of AVYAY for the quarter ending 30 September 2026 during the financial year 2026–27.

The Institutional Architecture of AVYAY is as follows:

1. Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is the nodal ministry responsible for policy formulation, funding, monitoring, and overall implementation of AVYAY through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

2. State and UT Governments

• Under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) component, States and UTs prepare and implement state-specific action plans for senior citizen welfare.
• The Ministry provides financial support for formulation and implementation of these plans.

3. District-Level Committees: While the Centre and States are the broad architects, the actual selection of indigent beneficiaries and the on-the-ground monitoring of the homes are handled by District Committees chaired by the District Collector/Magistrate.

The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) operates through a set of integrated components designed to address the diverse needs of senior citizens.

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)

The IPSrC serves as the primary implementation arm, providing grants-in-aid directly to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Panchayati Raj Institutions, and local bodies to run and maintain old age homes, continuous care homes, mobile medical units, physiotherapy clinics, and regional resource and training centres. At present, 764 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics are being supported under IPSrC. Here, MMUs and Physiotherapy Clinics represent ongoing projects, as the scheme's current expansion focus is primarily on establishing and maintaining Senior Citizen Homes to ensure shelter for indigent seniors. Funds are released to eligible organisations, including NGOs, State Governments, and local bodies, for the establishment and maintenance of these facilities through a grant-in-aid model.

State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC)

It focuses on state-level strategy and capacity building. It provides grants to State and Union Territory governments to create a pool of trained geriatric caregivers, conduct special cataract surgery drives, and implement other state-specific welfare initiatives. To foster local innovation, States can utilize up to 20% of their allocated funds for these state-specific programs. While States/UTs may incorporate their own strategies and programmes, funding is admissible only for components approved under AVYAY. States/ UTs are also expected to put in their own funds to augment the resources available for this purpose.

Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs)

Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) serve as key institutional support structures under AVYAY, particularly the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC). Designated by the Government, these centres function as regional nodal agencies for capacity building, training, research, documentation, awareness generation and advocacy on issues relating to ageing and elderly welfare. They support evidence-based policy and programme implementation through database development, monitoring and evaluation, project inspections, and coordination with State Governments, Union Territories and implementing organisations. As per the Scheme guidelines, an annual financial support of Rs. 19.58 lakh is given to each RRTC. Additionally, the Ministry provides financial assistance to designated NGOs and institutions serving as RRTCs to strengthen outreach, capacity building and service delivery for senior citizens.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), originally launched in 2017 as a standalone central sector scheme, has been subsumed under the AVYAY as one of its key components. Under this, eligible senior citizens suffering from age-related disability or infirmity are being provided assistive living devices to restore near normalcy in bodily functions. As of date, the scheme has achieved massive scale, cumulatively benefiting over 10.45 lakh senior citizens covered with 5587653 Assistive Living Devices through camp mode and walk-in centres of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) at Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras (PMD-VK).

National Helpline for Senior Citizens

The Government has also established a National Helpline for Senior Citizens, called Elderline (Helpline Number: 14567), launched in October 2021. It connects senior citizens to timely support and provides free information, guidance and emotional support. Serving as a single, accessible platform, it redresses grievances of all kinds, with the service coordinating directly with district authorities and NGOs to resolve issues on the ground. Field intervention is also provided wherever senior citizens need it most. Demonstrating its massive reach Elderline has received over 8.66 lakh actionable calls, covering various categories, including information, guidance, emotional support, field intervention and other services.

JEEVAN App and SHATAYU Dashboard

In May 2026, the Government launched the Joint Elderly Empowerment and Virtual Assistance Network (JEEVAN) mobile application and the Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility (SHATAYU) geriatric dashboard. 

The app offers a range of features tailored to the needs of senior citizens, including information on government schemes and welfare programmes, access to emergency assistance and support services, and details of senior citizen homes. Designed with elderly users in mind, the platform features a user-friendly interface, simple navigation, and enhanced accessibility options. Crucially, it includes a "one-tab call" facility that allows users to directly call important numbers with a single tap, providing immediate guidance and support during medical requirements or emergencies.

The SHATAYU dashboard helps senior citizens and families find trained geriatric caregivers. It shows caregiver availability by district and State and strengthens India’s organised care economy. It also connects trained geriatric caregivers with senior citizens in need of care. To strengthen the database, caregivers trained during 2023–24 and earlier were invited to self-register, enabling more senior citizens to access trained caregiving services. As per the dashboard, the total number of caregivers is 30,151, amongst them 6,817 are male, 23,334 are female.

Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE)

This initiative aims to encourage young entrepreneurs to identify and address the challenges faced by the elderly through innovative solutions. It also seeks to support the development of these ideas into start-ups by providing equity support. Focusing on building a robust “Silver Economy,” SAGE supports both the development of novel ideas into start-ups and the expansion of existing start-ups already functioning in the elderly care segment. These enterprises develop products, services, and technological solutions tailored to the needs of senior citizens. Under SAGE, selected start-ups are given financial assistance up to ₹1 crore through equity participation. Besides that, they are also provided mentoring and market linkages to scale solutions that enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

Through equity support and the SAGE Portal, the Government facilitates access to credible elderly-care solutions while promoting the Silver Economy.

Senior Citizen Opportunities for Productive Engagement (SCOPE)

The Senior Citizen Opportunities for Productive Engagement (SCOPE) empowers elders through active community participation and livelihood opportunities. Many senior citizens possess the experience, time, and energy that can be highly valuable to business enterprises looking for stable, experienced employees. Recognizing that the human resources cells of many private enterprises actively seek such experienced individuals for certain positions, the portal acts as a bridge by allowing the virtual matching of preferences. By connecting these experienced senior citizens with meaningful roles, the initiative promotes productive ageing and transforms them into active, independent contributors to India’s evolving socio-economic landscape.

PM-SPECIAL (System for Provision of Eldercare in House and Assisted Living) Training of Geriatric Caregivers

The initiative focuses on strengthening the ecosystem of geriatric care in India. The main objective is to bridge the gap in supply and increasing demand in the field of geriatric caregivers. The goal is to provide more professional services to senior citizens, and also to create a cadre of professional care givers in the field of geriatrics. Additionally, it provides free skill-based training to individuals in geriatric care roles. The training is delivered through empanelled institutes following standard norms set by the Government.

Beyond its components, AVYAY is complemented by initiatives that connect senior citizens with younger generations. On 1 September 2026, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission to implement ‘Creating Intergenerational Bonding’. The nationwide initiative seeks to strengthen emotional and cultural bonds among children, parents and grandparents through play-based and evidence-informed activities delivered through the school system. Under the collaboration, a scalable design and implementation model will be developed and introduced across 200 pilot schools, with Co-Learning Games, a bilingual Resource Centre website and teacher certification. The initiative is expected to complement the Ministry’s senior citizen welfare initiatives, including AVYAY and the Elder Line helpline, and will give senior citizens opportunities to pass on their wisdom and values while helping children remain rooted in culture. Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission will serve as the implementing partner, supported by a Knowledge Development Partner for research, design and assessment.

The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana represents a comprehensive and evolving framework for addressing the multifaceted needs of India’s ageing population. The scheme focuses on strengthening long-term care infrastructure, assisted living facilities and support systems for the elderly. This reflects a shift towards a more coordinated and lifecycle-based approach towards India’s senior citizens. Through its collaborative model involving central and state governments, NGOs, and specialised institutions, AVYAY is positioned as a critical pillar of India’s social protection architecture.

References:

Press Information Bureau

• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222704
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2241901
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2226202
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2244485
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2281068&reg=48&lang=1
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2305652
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2305179
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1938996
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1844991
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2264053
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2277755

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/43
• https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/111
• https://scw.dosje.gov.in/public/uploads/documents/AVYAY%20Scheme%20document%20FY%202021-26%20(including%20IPSrC%20scheme).pdf
• https://scw.dosje.gov.in/seniorcare-ageing-growth-engine
• https://scw.dosje.gov.in/state-action-plan-senior-citizens
• https://scw.dosje.gov.in/rrtc
• https://shatayu.dosje.gov.in/
• https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes
• https://scw.dosje.gov.in/register
• https://x.com/MSJEGOI/status/2057749045221736830

JEEVAN App — Official FAQ (Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI)

• https://scw.dosje.gov.in/faqs
• https://scw.dosje.gov.in
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2207735
• https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2025/oct/doc20251028678601.pdf

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

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PIB Research