Part of: National Current Affairs · See also: UPSC syllabus · UKPSC syllabus
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) for India’s senior citizens. Recently, an official factsheet released on 27 October 2026 set out its latest numbers. Notably, the scheme aims to help older persons “lead dignified, fulfilling and meaningful lives”. Moreover, India’s elderly population may reach 23 crore by 2036. Hence, eldercare and the silver economy now matter greatly.
Senior Citizen Homes Under IPSrC
The Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) is the core of AVYAY. Under it, NGOs, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies get grants. At present, it supports 764 senior citizen homes and 13 continuous care homes. In addition, it funds 17 mobile medicare units and 3 physiotherapy clinics. For FY 2026–27, the Ministry released Rs 77.98 crore to 755 projects up to September 2026.
State Action Plans and Assistive Devices
The State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) funds states and UTs. For example, states train caregivers and run cataract surgery drives. Further, states may spend up to 20% of their allocation on their own programmes. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) provides assistive living devices to seniors with age-related disability. So far, over 10.45 lakh senior citizens have received 55,87,653 devices. ALIMCO camps and PM Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras distribute them.
Elderline, JEEVAN and SHATAYU
Elderline (14567), the national helpline, began in October 2021. Since then, it has received over 8.66 lakh actionable calls. Then, in May 2026, the JEEVAN mobile app and the SHATAYU geriatric dashboard went live. Currently, SHATAYU lists 30,151 registered caregivers, including 23,334 women.
About AVYAY and SAGE
AVYAY dates from 2021–22 and succeeded the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC). Besides, the Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) backs elderly-care start-ups. In fact, SAGE offers equity support of up to Rs 1 crore per start-up. Thus, it promotes the silver economy of goods and services for seniors.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Key Facts for Revision
- Ministry: Social Justice and Empowerment
- Successor to: National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC)
- IPSrC network: 764 senior citizen homes, 13 continuous care homes
- RVY: 55,87,653 devices to over 10.45 lakh seniors
- Elderline: 14567, launched October 2021
- SAGE: Equity of up to Rs 1 crore for eldercare start-ups
Why Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, population ageing is a key GS theme. So, remember the IPSrC numbers, the Elderline number and the SAGE equity limit. Also, link AVYAY with other elderly welfare schemes. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Next, for a related story, read about the NSAP renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
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