Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

• 29 Sep 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

In a significant initiative to empower senior citizens and persons with disabilities across India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organized 'Samajik Adhikarita Shivirs' camps at 72 locations simultaneously.

• These camps aim to distribute various types of aid and assistive devices to over 12000 persons with disabilities and senior citizens under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana.

What is the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?

• About:
  • It was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • It is a central sector scheme funded from the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund.
  • The Scheme is being implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Features:
  • The eligibility criteria for the scheme are: Senior Citizens, belonging to Below Poverty Line(BPL) category and suffering from any of the age related disability or infirmity.
  • The scheme works by distributing free of cost devices, commensurate with the extent of disability or infirmity that is manifested among the eligible senior citizens.
    • The devices supported under the scheme are: Walking sticks, Elbow crutches, Walkers/Crutches, Hearing Aids, Wheelchair, Artificial Dentures and Spectacles.
  • The scheme is expected to benefit over 5 lakh Senior Citizens across the country.

What are the Other Initiatives Related to Elderly in India?

• National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP).
• National Social Assistance Programme.
• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY).
• SAMPANN Project.