The central government has released ₹77.98 crore in financial assistance for 755 projects aimed at improving the lives of senior citizens across India. The funding covers the quarter ending September 30, 2026, and was announced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Wednesday.
The financial assistance has been provided under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), which operates as part of the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY). The initiative focuses on providing institutional care and other essential welfare services to elderly people who need support.
The funds are intended to help organisations operate senior citizen care facilities and provide essential services such as accommodation, food and healthcare. The latest allocation highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen elderly care facilities and welfare programmes across the country.
₹77.98 Crore Released for 755 Senior Citizen Projects
The ₹77.98 crore grant has been distributed under the IPSrC during the financial year 2026-27. The programme primarily supports institutional care facilities where senior citizens can receive accommodation and other necessary assistance.
Through these projects, elderly people can access services such as shelter, meals and medical care. The government provides financial assistance to organisations involved in running these facilities and implementing welfare activities for senior citizens.
The allocation of funds across 755 projects is aimed at supporting a wider network of elderly care services and improving access to essential facilities for older people.
What Is Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY)?
The Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana was launched in 2021 as a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its main objective is to promote the well-being of senior citizens through the principles of ‘aging with dignity’ and ‘aging in place’.
The scheme follows a comprehensive approach to elderly welfare by addressing different aspects of daily life. These include housing, nutritious food, healthcare, recreational activities and social support.
AVYAY also focuses on strengthening the organisations and institutions working for senior citizens. Government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local bodies and community groups are encouraged to contribute to elderly welfare initiatives.
The broader aim is to develop a support system through which senior citizens can access essential services and receive assistance through different organisations and facilities.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: Free Assistive Devices for Senior Citizens
Apart from institutional care, the government also operates the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) to support elderly people facing age-related disabilities and physical difficulties.
Under this scheme, eligible senior citizens receive assistive devices free of cost according to their individual requirements. These include walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids and spectacles.
The programme is designed to help elderly people manage everyday activities more comfortably and improve their ability to live independently.
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, senior citizens with a monthly income of up to ₹15,000 can qualify for the scheme, subject to other applicable eligibility conditions. Meeting the income requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility.
The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is responsible for implementing the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and distributing the required assistive equipment to eligible beneficiaries.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information and public awareness purposes only. Scheme details, financial assistance, eligibility requirements and implementation procedures may be subject to government guidelines and changes. Readers are advised to verify the latest information through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment or the relevant official authorities before applying for any government scheme.