The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)- a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering senior citizens in India.
Key facts of the scheme
- This scheme recognizes the invaluable contribution made by the elderly to society and seeks to ensure their well-being and social inclusion.
- The National Action Plan for Senior Citizen (NAPSrc) had been revamped, renamed as Atal VayoAbhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) and subsumed in April 2021.
- Under the umbrella Scheme, Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), an Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) provides financial assistance to eligible organization’s for running and maintenance of Senior Citizen Homes/ Continuous Care Homes to improve the quality of life of the senior citizens.
- Another component under the AVYAY Scheme is Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), to provide eligible senior citizens with assisted living devices. Financial criteria for beneficiaries are either the Senior Citizen belongs to ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) category or he/ she has income up to Rs. 15,000 (Rupees Fifteen Thousand) per month.
- There is a national Toll-free helpline number namely Elderline (14567 ) for Senior Citizens.
