Current Affairs · · GS2 · Social Justice

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana is the Centre's umbrella scheme for senior citizens, combining old-age homes, assistive devices, healthcare support, a helpline and help for elder-care start-ups. A PIB explainer highlights it as India's elderly population grows and family support weakens. India had 10.38 crore people aged 60 and above in 2011.

Event date:

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  1. Note1 / 5

    WHY IN NEWS?

    • A PIB explainer on 27 October 2026 set out the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
    • It was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
    • It is a Central Sector umbrella scheme that brought earlier elder-care schemes under one roof.
    • It aims at shelter, food, healthcare, active ageing and dignity for senior citizens.
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    MAIN COMPONENTS

    ComponentWhat it does
    Integrated Programme for Senior CitizensGrants to NGOs and local bodies to run senior citizen homes and physiotherapy clinics
    State Action Plan for Senior CitizensFunds State and UT programmes for the elderly
    Rashtriya Vayoshri YojanaFree assistive devices for elderly people with age-related disabilities
    SAGE (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine)Supports start-ups offering elder-care products and services
    Elderline (14567)National helpline for information, guidance and support

    The scheme also supports skill training in geriatric care.

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    KEY CONCEPTS

    1. Who is a senior citizen in India?

    A person aged 60 years or above.

    1. What is the "silver economy"?

    It covers goods and services for older people, such as health care, assistive devices, housing and finance. It can create jobs and businesses.

    1. What is the feminisation of ageing?

    Women form a larger share of the elderly because they live longer on average. Many older women are widowed and financially dependent.

    1. What law protects senior citizens?

    The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 makes children and relatives liable to maintain them and provides for old-age homes.

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    WHY IT MATTERS

    • Rising numbers: India had 10.38 crore senior citizens in 2011; the number is projected to reach about 23 crore by 2036.
    • Weaker family support: Migration, urbanisation and nuclear families leave more elderly people alone.
    • Health needs: The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India shows many elderly people face chronic illness and limits on daily activity.
    • Economic potential: Elder care can become a growth sector if supported.
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    WAY FORWARD

    These are suggested measures, not approved policy.

    • Expand quality care through regulated old-age homes and home-based care.
    • Strengthen geriatric health in primary health centres.
    • Train caregivers and create a certified workforce.
    • Support older women with pensions and social security.
    • Encourage active ageing through skilling and part-time work options.

Sources

Syllabus

PaperSubjectSub-topic
GS2Social JusticeWelfare schemes for vulnerable sections, social justice
GS1SocietyPopulation and associated issues
PrelimsSocial JusticeAVYAY components, Elderline, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act

Topics

Fundamental RightsGovernanceHealth

Practice questions

  1. The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana is implemented by the:

    1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
    2. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
    3. Ministry of Rural Development
    4. Ministry of Women and Child Development
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It is a Central Sector umbrella scheme.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  2. The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana provides:

    1. Pensions to senior citizens
    2. Assistive living devices to elderly people with age-related disabilities
    3. Free travel
    4. Health insurance
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It is now part of AVYAY.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  3. Elderline, the national helpline for senior citizens, can be reached at:

    1. 1098
    2. 112
    3. 14567
    4. 1800
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It offers information, guidance and emotional support.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

Mains practice

Answer-writing practice on this article. Attempt it first, then open the hints.

  1. GS2 · 150 words

    India's population is ageing while family support weakens. Evaluate how far schemes like AVYAY address the needs of the elderly, and suggest improvements.

    Show hints
    1. Demographic trends
    2. feminisation of ageing
    3. AVYAY components
    4. 2007 Act, geriatric care
    5. silver economy.