Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana | 13 Jul 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India has been working towards creating an inclusive and equitable society for all its citizens and Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is one of the Schemes in that direction.

What is Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana?

• About:
  • Earlier the AVYAY, was known as National Action Plan for Senior Citizen (NAPSrc), which was revamped, renamed as Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana in April 2021.
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at empowering senior citizens in India.
• Objective:
  • This scheme recognizes the invaluable contribution made by the elderly to society and seeks to ensure their well-being and social inclusion.
  • By recognizing the invaluable contributions of the elderly to society, the government aims to empower and uplift them, ensuring their active participation and inclusion in all aspects of life.
• Components:
  • Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): It 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, especially indigent senior citizens by providing basic amenities etc.
  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): It provides eligible senior citizens suffering from any of the age-related disability/ infirmity, with assisted living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/ infirmity manifested such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and loco-motor disabilities.
    • 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.
• Achievements:
  • Nearly 1.5 lakh beneficiaries are staying in the Senior Citizen homes.
  • 361 districts across the country have been covered.
  • During the last 3 financial years a total of Rs. 288.08 crore grants in aid released and number of beneficiaries is 3,63,570.
    • Under RVY a total of 269 camps have been held and the Number of beneficiaries of this camp is over 4 lakhs. Under this scheme, a total amount of Rs. 140.34 crore has been released during the last 3 financial years and a total number of 8,48,841 devices were distributed to 1,57,514 beneficiaries in 130 camps.
• Significance:
  • The AVYAY stands as a testament to the government's commitment to the well-being and empowerment of senior citizens in India.
  • By addressing their financial, healthcare, and social needs, the scheme aims to empower the elderly, ensuring their active participation and inclusion in society.
  • Through this initiative, the government strives to create an environment where senior citizens can live a life of dignity, respect, and fulfilment, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation.