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The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), started in 2021 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, integrates care, health, assistive devices and active ageing for senior citizens; 77.98 crore rupees was released for 755 projects in the quarter ended
Why is this in the news?
- PIB issued a backgrounder on AVYAY on 27 October 2026.
- For the quarter ended 30 September 2026 in 2026-27, 77.98 crore rupees was released as grants-in-aid to 755 projects under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens.
- The 2011 Census counts 10.38 crore senior citizens, and the population aged 60 and above is projected to reach 23 crore by 2036.
Key facts at a glance
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Started | 2021 |
| Nodal ministry | Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Merged scheme | National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC) |
| Senior citizens (Census 2011) | 10.38 crore: 5.11 crore men, 5.27 crore women |
| Projection for 2036 | 23 crore senior citizens |
| Grants released | 77.98 crore rupees for 755 projects |
| Homes supported | 764 senior citizen homes |
| Other IPSRC units | 13 continuing care centres; 17 mobile medicare units; 3 physiotherapy clinics |
| State innovation | Up to 20 percent of allocated funds |
What does AVYAY do?
AVYAY offers a single framework that links institutional care, health services, assistive devices, skill development, active ageing and technology for senior citizens. It supports food, shelter, healthcare and recreation facilities and builds the capacity of governments, NGOs, local bodies and communities.
It promotes dignified ageing in place, so elderly people can stay in their homes and communities through suitable home modifications and community support. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for policy, funding and monitoring.
The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India shows that a large share of older people face difficulty in daily activities, and urbanisation, migration and nuclear families are weakening traditional family support. This is the policy reason for building a dependable, institutional and community-based care system alongside family care.
How does it link to the static syllabus?
- Social justice and welfare: protection of senior citizens links to the Directive Principles and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
- AVYAY merged the earlier NAPSrC into one umbrella scheme.
- Monitoring uses the e-Anudan portal, contactless biometric attendance and live CCTV feeds.
What is the Uttar Pradesh angle?
States prepare State Action Plans for Senior Citizens, and district committees chaired by the District Collector or Magistrate select local beneficiaries and monitor old-age homes, so Uttar Pradesh implements AVYAY through its social welfare machinery and district committees. The release states no UP-specific figure, so none is given here.
Which pairs are easily confused?
- AVYAY is not NAPSrC: it merged and expanded it.
- IPSRC is not SAPSRC: one funds institutions, the other funds state action plans.
- The 2011 Census figure of 10.38 crore is a census count, not a projection.
Key Terms
- AVYAY
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, umbrella scheme for senior citizens.
- IPSRC
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, the main implementing component.
- SAPSRC
- State Action Plan for Senior Citizens, which funds state-level plans.
- RRTC
- Regional Resource and Training Centres.
- Ageing in place
- Elderly people living safely in their own homes and communities.
- LASI
- Longitudinal Ageing Study in India.
UPPSC syllabus: GS-II, GS-V
FAQs
When did AVYAY begin?
It started in 2021.
Who monitors local implementation?
District committees chaired by the District Collector or Magistrate.
Sources: PIB Backgrounder: Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
Last verified: 2026-10-28
