The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has reported significant progress across three programmes designed to support elderly citizens in India. Under the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY), the government is delivering assistive devices, running a national helpline and training caregivers to help senior citizens live independently.
What has been delivered
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, running since 2017 and managed by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, provides free walking aids to poor and low-income elderly people with age-related disabilities. Items distributed include wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids and spectacles.
From 2017-18 to 2025-26, the scheme held 589 camps across the country. These reached 8,53,728 senior citizens and handed out 46,32,716 devices in total. The latest financial year, 2025-26, saw the highest activity: 156 camps benefiting 3,36,398 elderly people with 16,42,274 devices.
Elderline, the national helpline for senior citizens launched on 1 October 2021, operates on the number 14567. Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, it received more than 29 lakh calls offering free information, guidance and emotional support. The government spent ₹162.21 crore to run this service during those years.
A separate Training of Geriatric Caregivers programme started in 2023-24 to produce qualified caregivers. By 2025-26, 35,480 people had completed training. The government allocated ₹81.34 crore for this initiative.
What this means for you
If you are an elderly person from a poor or low-income household struggling with mobility or hearing, your local administration may conduct camps where you can receive assistive devices at no cost. If you are a senior citizen facing abuse, abandonment or emotional distress, you can call Elderline at 14567 for free support and guidance on accessing welfare benefits. If you are looking for professional caregiving work, government-accredited training in geriatric care is now available.