Policy Update
Ashi Verma
Background:-
India has the largest population in the world, and it continues to grow. A significant part of this population consists of senior citizens aged 60 and above. Elderly people often face many challenges in their daily lives, including health issues, lack of financial security and mental well-being concerns. Due to these difficulties, many senior citizens are unable to live independently and with dignity.
If we look at the figures, the number was 19.8 crore in 1951 ( Census of India) then it became 7.6 crore in 2001 ( Census of India) it rose to 10.38 crore in 2011 ( Census of India) and will reach 17.3 crore by 2026 ( UN population Projection). It has become a social challenge. 73% elderly live in rural areas. ( Ministry of Statistics & PI, 2021). India may cross the elderly population of 300 million in 2050 ( UN World Population Ageing Report) and they will continue to rise…
Historically, Indian society has placed strong emphasis on intergenerational respect and care for elders within joint family structures. However, with rapid urbanization, migration, and changing social norms, many senior citizens today experience vulnerabilities across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. There is a need to create enabling environments that ensure dignity, social inclusion, and opportunities for active and healthy ageing.
To address these challenges, The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Vayo Abhyuday Yojana in 2021
Earlier the name of this scheme was Urban Action Plan for Senior Citizens the scheme was renamed Atal vayo abhyuday yojana in April 2021
The main objective of this scheme is to provide comprehensive welfare services to senior citizens and enable them to lead an active, healthy, and dignified life. The main focus of this scheme is changing the good quality of life standard of elderly people with the welfare of senior citizens.
Figure.1
Source: Ministry of information and broadcasting
Functioning:-
Vayo Abhyuday Yojana aims to achieve its main objectives through four key components . The Vayoshreshtha Samman Yojana is designed to achieve its objectives through four key components. Under this, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched four major initiatives:
1. Elderline 14567 – A Toll-free helpline for elderly support,
2. Livelihood and Skill Development Training,
3. SACRED – Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity
4. SAGE – Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine.
These schemes aim to promote active, healthy, and dignified ageing among senior citizens.
(Elder line) 14567 – Toll free helpline Number :-
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the first scheme- elder line 14567 toll free number . They provide legal guidance, free advice on property disputes, pension issues and maintenance laws, emotional support with professional counseling for seniors with anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Figure.2
Source: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(Elderline) 14567 provides immediate assistance to senior citizens facing abuse and harassment.
It registers complaints, facilitates rescue operations, places them in safe shelters, and supports homeless elderly persons.
Focus on Strength Infrastructure :-
The main focus of this scheme is to strengthen infrastructure, with an emphasis on developing long-term care facilities, specifically healthcare amenities for the elderly and improving public spaces. Senior citizen homes have been established in every district to provide accommodation and care for the elderly; additionally, vehicles have been deployed to facilitate medical treatment, including for serious illnesses.
Figure.3
Source: Free Health Camp (Government of Manipur)
The scheme also incorporates health-related interventions. Mobile medical units have been deployed to provide healthcare services in remote and underserved areas. Regional Resource and Training Centers have been strengthened to offer technical support and capacity-building for institutions working with senior citizens. Furthermore, village-level day-care centers have been established, equipped with facilities for physiotherapy and basic healthcare services.
Livelihood with Skill Development Training :-
This scheme aims to make the elderly self-reliant through digital platforms by providing them with new benefits and experiences, including
(SACRED): Dignity in Reemployment of Senior Able Citizens for Re- employment in Dignity
This is an online portal that provides employment opportunities for individuals over the age of 60 it facilitates re-employment specifically for interested senior citizens.
(SAGE): Senior Care Aging Growth Under this initiative, they receive financial assistance and access to new opportunities including equity funding of ₹1 crore enabling them to develop new products tailored to specific needs.
In keeping with the times and the need for modern skills, the elderly are provided training in areas such as digital banking technology and various industries, including packaging and handicrafts .
Figure.4
Source: GS Times
Implementation with Action Plan
Under this, a database is prepared for elderly individuals in local panchayats, villages, and towns
They are categorized as consultants based on their experience and interests.
Performance
The Quality of life of Senior Citizens has improved considerably under this national policy. The Elder Helpline has provided immediate Support to many Elder people facing problems and help in case of Abuse, Emergencies and Health. In Remote Areas Mobile medical facilities made it easy for people to access the basic healthcare. Regional Resource and The Day care centers have helped in providing the Training Centers and Physiotherapy also. This program trains senior citizens through Digital literacy with the use of smartphones, handling online banking and video calls. Workshops are conducted and they teach about pension schemes , legal rights, Cyber fraud and saving management.
These steps have helped senior citizens live with confidence and dignity. The elders are moving forward with a sense of self-reliance and positive mindset as they lead their lives.
Impact
The Abhyudaya Scheme has been launched by the Government of India for senior citizens; this program aims to promote healthy, active, and dignified aging across the country for their welfare.
Under [IPSPC] (Integrated program for senior citizens). It operates mobile medical units and other clinics for citizens, which are run through the provision of grants.
This initiative provides opportunities for citizens through programs aimed at their care, recreation, and the improvement of their standard of living. Since the scheme’s implementation in 2019-2020, over 69 lakh citizens have benefited, facilitating welfare interventions for senior citizens across states and Union Territories.
Figure.5
Source: (PIB) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The Ministry facilitates the provision of free assistance and assistive devices to differently-abled individuals under the National Scheme. In 2021-22, virtually senior citizens in the country approximately 7,68,749 have received benefits, enabling them to live with dignity and independence, thereby improving their quality of life.
We have a helpline number that provides free information, support, and assistance.
The most significant aspect is that a helpline number was launched for the nation on October 1, 2021, through this helpline 8,41,734 calls have been received and timely assistance has been provided to senior citizens across 34 states and Union Territories. To meet the growing demand, the Ministry is implementing a care system for the elderly under the PM Awas scheme. Since its inception in 2023-24, 38,893 caregivers have been trained, with a comprehensive focus on the services provided to the elderly.
Support is being provided through SAGE, under which financial assistance of ₹1 crore has been granted to foster startups and technology solutions for the elderly. This is providing encouragement to the elderly in areas such as healthcare and livelihood.
Emerging Issues
Lack of Awareness :- Many elderly people in remote villages and towns remain unaware of this scheme due to a lack of information, preventing them from availing its benefits.
Inability to use digital tools :- In today’s digital era, many tasks are performed online; however, elderly individuals often miss out on the benefits of various schemes. They remain excluded because they are unable to access information about these programs through digital mediums like the internet or smartphones.
Being deprived of financial assistance and free equipment :- A major issue concerns elderly individuals from villages, small towns, and backward sections of society who do not receive the benefits of financial assistance; they are in need of help but remain deprived, often lacking even the information regarding the availability of free assistive devices. Consequently, they face significant difficulties in leading their daily lives.
Registration issues:- The main issue regarding the application process is the requirement for official documents—such as identity proofs, medical certificates, and income certificates. The lack of these documents forces applicants to make repeated rounds of government offices, causing significant hardship and often resulting in them missing out on the benefits of the scheme.
Fear of going to NGO :- Various activities are conducted at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), yet some elderly individuals are afraid to join them. They worry about whether they will receive proper care, fearing based on what they have observed regarding the neglect of others that they too might be treated negligently; consequently, they are reluctant to join such organizations.
Way Forward
Under this scheme, infrastructure should be strengthened through the ‘SAGE’ portal, incorporating measures to promote the ‘silver economy’ and ensure the efficient delivery of healthcare and other services; this would enable the elderly to lead dignified, self-reliant lives. Most importantly, digital literacy should be promoted so that no one—including those in towns, villages, and marginalized communities—is deprived of the benefits of this scheme.
Awareness sessions should primarily be conducted to enable them to utilize financial assistance and equipment, ensuring they face no economic hardships and can lead their lives actively. Elderly citizens should be provided with the facilities they are entitled to, and proper health check-ups should be conducted to ensure their financial, mental, and physical well-being; furthermore, their positive mindset, thoughts, and views should be listened to and understood.
A shift in mindset will bring a new turn in society, leading to a proper appreciation of the elderly and the effective utilization of their active roles, thereby enabling them to lead lives marked by dignity and self-respect. This fosters hope for a positive outlook and the overall welfare of society.
Conclusion
The Atal Vayu Abhyuday Yojana encompasses various facilities aimed primarily at supporting the elderly and the needy in their daily lives. The objective is to foster a positive mindset and mental empowerment, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives without feeling deprived, while also acknowledging their concerns and emotions. The Central Ministry has taken significant steps under this scheme to ensure senior citizens lack nothing, enabling them to lead active, self-reliant, and dignified lives moving beyond mere longevity to a life lived with pride.
References:-
1. Bharat innovates Department of Social Justice and Empowerment ( Senior citizens welfare Portal launched by President on (2nd May 2025)
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Government of India
2. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Vayo AbhyudayYojana guidelines (2021)
https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/36/0/1
3. Press Information Bureau. Cabinet approves Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (April 2021)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2290718®=48&lang=2
4 .Census of India, Registrar General of India. Population data for 1951, 2001, and 2011.
https://censusindia.gov.in/census.website/data/census-tables
5.United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. World https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/world-population-prospects-2024
6. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India.
https://www.mospi.gov.in/publication/elderly-india-2021
7. Elderly Care in India : Challenges (16 April 2025)
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2025/04/16/indias-elderly-population/
8. Research.Gate Census of India
Trend-in-Dependency-Ratio-in-India-1961-2026-Source-Census-of-India_fig2_382693957
https://www.researchgate.net
9. Atal vayo abhyuday yojana (2021)
https://www.bajajfinserv.in/atal-vayo-abhyuday-yojana-avyay-guide
About the Contributor
Ashi Verma is pursuing a B. A. Program (History and Political Science) from Maitreyi College (NCWEB), South Campus, Delhi University, with a major in Political Science. She is passionate about governance, public policy, social issues, and digital innovation, with a keen interest in research, academic writing, and data documentation. Through research and policy analysis, she aims to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and create meaningful social impact.
Acknowledgement
The author expresses sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, for publishing comprehensive data, guidelines, and reports on Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, which served as the primary source for this article. She is thankful to IMPRI (Impact and Policy Research Institute) for providing the opportunity to engage with public policy research and to contribute to the discourse on senior citizen welfare in India. She also acknowledges the contributions of various researchers, academicians, and policy practitioners whose work on ageing and social justice helped shape the perspective presented in this article.
Name of the Reviewers: Vishal Thaker and Kavin Aditya
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the organisation.
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