India Enhances Support for Senior Citizens with New Initiatives
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has ramped up efforts to improve the welfare of senior citizens across India. New initiatives focus on bolstering long-term care infrastructure, assisted living facilities, and support systems designed specifically for the elderly population.
Recent findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), conducted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reveal that approximately 23.8% of individuals aged 60 and older experience at least one limitation in their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). This statistic highlights the varying levels of care dependency among the elderly.
Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana: A Comprehensive Approach
In response to these challenges, the Ministry has launched the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) effective from April 1, 2021. This umbrella scheme is designed to foster the welfare of senior citizens throughout the nation. A key component of AVYAY is the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), which provides Grant-in-Aid to organizations that operate Senior Citizen Homes, Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units, and Physiotherapy Clinics. Currently, the support extends to 705 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units, and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics.
Assistive Devices for Enhancing Quality of Life
The government has also introduced the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) under AVYAY, which aims to provide assistive living devices to eligible senior citizens dealing with age-related disabilities. These devices, which cater to various needs such as low vision, hearing impairment, and loco-motor disabilities, have benefited 793,000 senior citizens to date.
Focus on Home-Based Care
Recognizing the significance of home-based care, the Ministry is implementing the PM-SPECIAL initiative, designed to address the gap in the availability of trained geriatric caregivers. This program aspires to elevate professional caregiving services for the elderly while building a skilled workforce specializing in geriatric care.
Moreover, the government has set up a National Helpline for Senior Citizens, known as Elderline (14567). This service offers free information, guidance, and emotional support to seniors across the country. Efforts to enhance Elderline are ongoing, focusing on improving technological infrastructure and expanding call-handling capacity.
Legal Protections for Senior Citizens
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of the elderly. This legislation establishes Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals to provide prompt and affordable justice for senior citizens. According to the Act, Maintenance Tribunals are required to resolve maintenance applications within 90 days of notice, with a possible extension under exceptional circumstances.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and supportive environment for India’s senior citizens. The details were shared by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, in a written statement during a session in the Lok Sabha.
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