According to recent news, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has established a Central Sector Scheme known as the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC). This article explores different initiatives in India focused on the welfare of senior citizens.
National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP)
Introduced in 1999, the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) serves to reaffirm a commitment to the well-being of older individuals. The policy anticipates support from the state to ensure several necessities for older people, including financial and food security, health care, shelter, and an equitable share in development. Besides, it also aims at offering protection against abuse and exploitation while advancing services to enhance their quality of life.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) is a Central Sector Scheme sponsored by the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. This scheme provides aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens categorized as Below Poverty Line (BPL) or those earning less than INR 15000 per month and suffering from age-linked disabilities including low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth, and locomotor disabilities.
Elderline: National Helpline for Senior Citizens
Implemented by the Ministry in 2021, the Elderline is a National Helpline for Senior Citizens (14567). It was developed to address the grievances of elders across India. This service is accessible to senior citizens through a toll-free number.
Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Initiative
Launched in 2021, the Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative aims to encourage innovative start-ups to create products, processes, and services benefiting the elderly. Under this program, innovative startups are recognized and granted equity support of up to INR.1 crore per project. It also guarantees that the total government equity in the start-up does not exceed 49%.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
The Ministry has integrated awareness generation and sensitization programs with school and college students under the umbrella scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. This initiative strives to provide information and educational material to individuals, families, and groups for a better understanding of the aging process.
In conclusion, these measures have been enacted by the Government of India to ensure a supportive environment that takes care of the diverse needs of its senior citizen population.
Source: PIB