Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the financial assistance is provided through a grant-in-aid mechanism to eligible organizations, including Non-Governmental Organizations, State Governments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies. The same is aimed for establishing and maintaining facilities for senior citizens. At present, 764 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics are being supported under IPSrC.
These facilities provide residential care and support services, with particular emphasis on ensuring shelter and care for indigent senior citizens. The programme also supports mobile healthcare services, physiotherapy facilities and other interventions aimed at improving the well-being of elderly persons. Financial assistance is released to eligible implementing organizations in accordance with the scheme’s provisions.
An Official in the Ministry said the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) is one of the key components besides the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) and Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) under the Yojana, which collectively supports the delivery of services and strengthen institutions involved in senior citizen welfare.
He said the Yojana is aimed to promote the welfare of senior citizens through an integrated framework of care services, institutional support and state-level initiatives. The scheme addresses the diverse needs of elderly persons, particularly indigent senior citizens, by supporting residential care facilities, strengthening geriatric care capacities and promoting awareness and evidence-based interventions on ageing-related issues.
The Official said the Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) serve as important institutional support structures under AVYAY, particularly in facilitating the implementation of IPSrC.
He added that as provided under the scheme guidelines, annual financial support of ₹19.58 lakh is extended to each RRTC. The Ministry also provides financial assistance to designated NGOs and institutions functioning as RRTCs to strengthen outreach, capacity building and service delivery for senior citizens.
Designated by the Government, these centres function as regional nodal agencies for capacity building, training, research, documentation, awareness generation and advocacy on ageing and senior citizen welfare, the Official further said.
RRTCs support evidence-based planning and programme implementation through database development, monitoring and evaluation, project inspections, and coordination with State Governments, Union Territories and implementing organisations.
Under AVYAY, the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens focuses on strengthening state-level planning, implementation and capacity building for elderly welfare. Under this component, financial assistance is provided to State and Union Territory Governments for initiatives such as developing a pool of trained geriatric caregivers, organising special cataract surgery drives and implementing other approved welfare interventions suited to local requirements.
To encourage local innovation and address state-specific needs, States and Union Territories may utilise up to 20 per cent of their allocated funds for state-specific programmes, subject to the scheme’s provisions. Funding is admissible only for components approved under AVYAY. States and Union Territories are also expected to contribute their own resources to supplement the funds available for these initiatives.
Through its integrated components, AVYAY combines institutional care, state-level planning and regional capacity building to address the varied needs of India’s ageing population. The scheme supports the development and maintenance of care facilities, encourages locally responsive welfare interventions and strengthens the institutions involved in implementing programmes for senior citizens, with an emphasis on dignity, care and improved access to welfare services.