As Prime Minister Modi’s unique development model delivers unprecedented growth intertwined with welfare, it is crucial to highlight the initiatives undertaken for the empowerment of senior citizens in the country.
The welfare of the elderly population assumes greater importance today as India navigates a demographic shift. PM Modi’s government, for more than 9 years, has sought to address this shift with a holistic approach—securing their inclusion in society by catering to their nutritional, healthcare, financial and social needs while also integrating them into what PM Modi calls the Silver Economy.
In line with this approach, significant strides have been made to dignify the lives of senior citizens through a multitude of thoughtful initiatives.
The Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY), to begin with, is an umbrella scheme providing financial assistance to organisations managing homes for the elderly. It intends to provide basic amenities to senior citizens along with avenues of entertainment to aid active and productive ageing. Currently, 552 Senior Citizen Homes, 14 Continuous Care Homes, and various healthcare units are being assisted and maintained by NGOs nationwide. With nearly 1.5 lakh beneficiaries availing facilities at these Senior Citizen Homes, this initiative has covered 361 districts so far. Rs. 288 crore have been released as grants in the last three years with over 3.6 lakh beneficiaries covered. Beyond direct assistance, AVYAY includes awareness programs in schools/colleges, promoting inter-generational bonding and education about the ageing process.
An important component of component of the AVYAY is Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana. A scheme which offers free physical aids and assisted-living devices to elderly individuals who fall under the BPL category or have a monthly income of up to Rs. 15,000. This assistance is provided to those experiencing disabilities or infirmities, including issues like vision and hearing impairment, loss of teeth, and mobility challenges—helping them restore near normalcy in their bodily functions. As of July 2023, a total of 269 camps have assisted over 4 lakh beneficiaries.
Providing a safety net are several social security schemes run by the government, ensuring financial stability for the elderly after retirement or in times of unexpected hardships. One such initiative is the PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, an insurance policy-cum-pension scheme launched in 2017. It aims to secure elderly persons aged 60 and above with a provision of assured pension or return associated with the subscription amount rooted in government guarantee to the LIC. The difference between the assured return and the return generated by the LIC is borne by the government, and this pension is paid after the policy tenure of 10 years.
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme within the National Social Assistance Programme offers a monthly pension of Rs. 200 to BPL individuals aged 60 to 79. Once they reach 80 years of age, this pension amount increases to Rs. 500 per month. The state/UT governments are encouraged to supplement this support with additional amounts, ensuring beneficiaries receive a substantial level of assistance.
Similarly, other initiatives include the Senior Citizen’s Savings Scheme and the Atal Pension Yojana, which enable the elderly population to live a life of dignity in their old age.
The senior citizens are also provided additional benefits via peerless government initiatives like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana, effectively catering to their nutritional and healthcare needs.
Channelizing CSR funds for Elderly Care is another initiative further augmenting the support. Under this, items related to elderly care, such as setting up daycare centers, old age homes, and similar facilities, are considered approved items for CSR funding under the Companies Act.
There is also a National Helpline for Senior Citizens to assist and address their grievances via a toll-free number (14567).
In addition to creating a robust eldercare ecosystem, the Modi government is also committed to equipping senior citizens with essential skills, enabling their active participation in the economy. The livelihood and skilling initiatives of the government not only augment their skills and accessibility but also encourage them to form self-help groups to create marketable products.
Two initiatives in particular deserve a special mention. The SACRED portal (Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity) provides a platform for senior citizens to connect with private businesses that are looking for stable employees with experience. The AGRASR Groups (Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction) encourage senior citizens to form self-help groups with a view to provide them with financial assistance, effectively utilising their potential for economic growth.
Another mainstream initiative, SAGE, was launched in 2021 to promote Silver Economy. It essentially promotes startups with out-of-the-box and innovative solutions to the common problems faced by the elderly population. The government provides equity support to identified startups working towards the welfare of senior citizens.
As we enlist these initiatives, it becomes evident that significant strides have been made in addressing the needs of the elderly. From financial security to healthcare and overall well-being, the government's initiatives have created a positive narrative for the elderly population. The focus on building a society that values its senior citizens is not just a policy directive; it reflects a compassionate and inclusive vision for the nation's future.
As the government continues its journey, the commitment to empowering the elderly stands out as a testament to the dedication to creating a better and more equitable India for all.
