Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: 8.53 Lakh Senior Citizens Receive Assistive Devices, Elderline Receives 29 Lakh Calls

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is continuously working to ensure independent living, easy accessibility, and timely assistance for senior citizens through the 'Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana' (AVYAY). The key components of this scheme include the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, the national helpline 'Elderline', and training for geriatric caregivers.

The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), launched in 2017, is being implemented through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). This scheme provides free assistive devices to senior citizens from BPL (Below Poverty Line) categories and low-income families who suffer from age-related disabilities. Devices such as wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids, and spectacles are provided free of cost. From the financial year 2017-18 to 2025-26, a total of 589 camps were organized, during which 4,632,716 assistive devices were distributed to 853,728 senior citizens.

The national helpline for senior citizens, 'Elderline' (14567), was launched on October 1, 2021. This service provides free information, guidance, emotional support, and corrective services to the elderly. Operating across almost all states and union territories, this helpline has become a crucial mechanism for addressing issues such as elder abuse, abandonment, and emotional distress. Between the financial years 2021-22 and 2025-26, 162.21 crore rupees were released to the National Institute of Social Defence for the implementation of this initiative, during which more than 29 lakh calls were received on the helpline.

Additionally, to strengthen professional geriatric care services, a training program for caregivers was launched in the financial year 2023-24. From the financial year 2023-24 to 2025-26, 35,480 candidates have been trained under this program. For this purpose, 81.34 crore rupees have been allocated to the National Institute of Social Defence.