Senior Citizens' Welfare Scheme: Centre releases ₹77.98 crore; check benefits for the elderly

The Centre has released ₹77.98 crore in grant-in-aid for 755 projects under its senior citizens’ welfare scheme for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on Wednesday, according to a PTI report.

The funds have been released under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), for the financial year 2026-27. The programme supports institutional care and related welfare facilities for older persons, PTI reported.

What is the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana?

Launched in 2021, AVYAY is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to promote “ageing with dignity” and “ageing in place”, enabling older persons to live with respect, security and independence.

The scheme brings together welfare interventions relating to shelter, food, healthcare, recreational services and community support. It also seeks to strengthen the capacity of government agencies, non-governmental organisations, local bodies and communities to support older persons.

Other government welfare schemes for senior citizens

Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), eligible senior citizens with age-related disabilities or infirmities can receive assistive devices free of cost.

According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, eligibility includes senior citizens with a monthly income of up to ₹15,000 who meet the scheme's other applicable conditions. Devices may include walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids and spectacles, depending on individual needs. The scheme is implemented through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).

India's senior citizen population is projected to reach 23 crore by 2036, according to the information cited in the PTI report. The 2011 Census recorded 10.38 crore people aged 60 years and above in India, including 5.11 crore males and 5.27 crore females.

The PTI report also highlighted findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) on functional limitations among older persons. These findings underline the need for reliable care, healthcare services and community-based support.