Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Empowering the Elderly for a Dignified Life

• Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment introduced the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
• It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering the senior citizens in India.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

• It is a Central Sector Scheme, which is formerly known as the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrc)
• Its vision is to create a society where senior citizens live healthy, happy and empowered lives.
• It has various components viz.
  • The Integrated Program for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
    • It entails setting up homes and providing basic amenities to improve the quality of life of senior citizens, especially indigent senior citizens
    • Grant in aid is provided to NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations (VOs) for running and maintenance of old age homes, Continuous Care Homes.
  • The State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC)
    • Each state/union territory is expected to frame its own action plan for the welfare of senior citizens.
  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
    • To provide eligible senior citizens suffering from any of the age-related disability/ infirmity, with assisted living devices and overcoming the disability/ infirmity manifested
  • Elderline for Senior Citizens
    • A national helpline number to provide free information, Guidance, Emotional Support and field intervention in cases of abuse and rescues
• Five schemes have been launched under this umbrella scheme
  • Poshan Abhiyan for elderly
  • Livelihood and skilling initiatives for senior citizens
  • scheme on promoting silver economy
  • Awareness generation and capacity building for welfare of senior citizens
  • Channelising CSR funds for elderly care.

Prelims Takeaway

• Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
• Corporate Social Responsibility