India’s elderly population is rising rapidly, creating a strong need for structured long-term support systems. To address these needs, the Government of India launched the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, an umbrella programme focusing on the holistic well-being of senior citizens.
AVYAY supports elderly persons aged 60 years and above, especially those who are economically weak, socially neglected, or without family support.
Key Dates (2021–22 to 2025–26)
The sanction period for the current phase of AVYAY is:
- Start Date: 6 May 2025
- End Date: 30 April 2026
During this period, applications for new projects, renewals, grants, and beneficiary selection are conducted as per timelines notified by the Ministry.
Nature of Assistance / Scholarship-Type Benefits
Although AVYAY is not a ‘scholarship’ in the academic sense, it provides grant-based financial support, similar to scholarship assistance, to ensure elderly persons receive essential services without cost.
The major benefits include:
A) Free Shelter under Senior Citizen Homes (SrCHs)
- Accommodation for indigent elderly
- 3 meals + snacks daily
- Bed, bedding, clothing, toiletries
- Recreational and social activities
- Safety and supervision
B) Healthcare Assistance
- Regular check-ups
- Access to medicines
- Referral to hospitals in emergencies
- Health records maintenance
C) Physical Aids (Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana)
Free distribution of devices such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Hearing aids
- Walking sticks
- Elbow crutches
- Spectacles
- Artificial dentures
D) Livelihood & Skill Support
Through SACRED and AGRASR Groups:
- Part-time/consultancy employment
- Income-generating group activities
- Re-skilling opportunities
E) State-Level Support
State governments receive financial assistance to set up age-friendly initiatives like:
- Day-care centres
- Old-age helplines
- Elder protection cells
- Mobile healthcare vans
These benefits collectively function like a social scholarship, enabling senior citizens to live with dignity and security.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by component but the general conditions include:
A) Age Requirement
- Applicant must be 60 years or older.
B) Income Condition
- Preference to BPL families or those with income ≤ ₹15,000 per month (for devices under RVY).
- For SrCHs, priority for indigent, homeless, or abandoned elderly.
C) Vulnerability Priority
Preference is given to:
- Widows
- Elderly with disabilities
- Chronically ill seniors
- Homeless elderly
- Those without family support
- Elderly women
- Persons abandoned due to family conflict
D) For SACRED Portal (Employment-linked Benefits)
- Senior citizens with skills, qualifications, or experience
- Willingness to work in flexible or part-time roles
E) For Organizations Running SrCHs
NGOs, Trusts, and societies must:
- Be registered for at least 2–3 years
- Have experience in social welfare
- Possess adequate space and facilities
- Follow minimum standards set by AVYAY
Pay Scale / Grant Structure (Fee Norms)
AVYAY provides recurring and non-recurring grants to organizations. Senior citizens living in Homes do not have to pay any fee.
A) Recurring Grants (Per Resident Per Day)
The recurring grant depends on:
- Category of city (X, Y, Z)
- Type of facility (25-bed, 50-bed, Continuous Care)
Typical range for a 25-bed home:
- ₹267 – ₹274 per resident per day
This covers:
- Staff salaries
- Food costs
- Medicines
- Clothing and toiletries
- Rent (if applicable)
- Electricity and water
- Maintenance and repairs
B) Non-Recurring Grants (One-Time Grants)
Used for:
- Furniture and bedding
- Kitchen equipment
- Office setup
- Recreation materials
- Medical kits
- Initial building renovation (if required)
C) Staffing Norms
Homes must appoint:
- Superintendent
- Social worker / Counselor
- Nurse
- Cook & kitchen assistants
- Multi-tasking staff
Salary support for these posts is included in the recurring grants.
Selection Process
A) Selection of Senior Citizens for Homes
- A District-Level Committee, chaired by the District Collector, identifies eligible elderly persons.
- Priority given to poorest and most destitute.
- Verification of age, identity, and vulnerability conducted.
B) Selection of Implementing Agencies
A State-Level Selection Committee evaluates NGOs/Trusts based on:
- Experience in elderly care
- Infrastructure availability
- Financial transparency
- Staff capacity
- Community reputation
- Ability to sustain activities
C) Selection for Physical Aids (RVY)
- Camps conducted by ALIMCO & district authorities
- Beneficiaries screened medically
- Devices distributed free of cost
D) Selection for SACRED Jobs
- Senior citizens register on SACRED portal
- Companies upload job roles
- Seniors matched based on skills
This transparent selection system ensures benefits reach the most deserving.
Application Process
A) Application for Grants by NGOs/Organizations
All proposals must be submitted online through:
E-Anudaan Portal
grants-msje.gov.in
Steps:
- Register the organization on the portal.
- Upload required documents (registration certificate, audited accounts, staff details, land availability).
- Submit a proposal for establishing or running a Senior Citizen Home.
- District authorities review and verify.
- State Government recommends approval.
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment finalizes sanction.
- Grant released digitally after documentation verification.
B) Renewal Applications for Existing Homes
- Submit renewal proposal on portal
- Upload UC (Utilization Certificate)
- Provide audited financial statements
- Report actual attendance of residents
- Submit inspection reports
C) Application by Senior Citizens for Admission to Homes
- Visit district social welfare office.
- Submit age proof, income details, and self-declaration.
- District Committee conducts verification.
- Eligible applicants allotted accommodation in nearest SrCH.
D) Application for Physical Aids
- Announcements made by district authorities
- Seniors attend screening camps
- Devices provided free after medical assessment
E) SACRED Portal Registration
- Visit sacred.dosje.gov.in
- Create senior citizen profile
- Upload skills and experience
- Apply for available job roles
- Connect with employers online
This system is fully digital, transparent, and easy to navigate.
Monitoring & Quality Control
AVYAY uses multi-level monitoring to maintain standards.
A) Steering Committee at National Level
- Reviews scheme performance quarterly
- Resolves implementation challenges
B) Project Management Committee
- Conducts half-yearly reviews
- Tracks fund utilization
C) Physical and Surprise Inspections
- Conducted by Project Monitoring Units
- Ensures quality of food, hygiene, and staff compliance
D) Technology-Based Monitoring
- CCTV monitoring encouraged
- Contactless attendance system for residents
- Digital record-keeping
E) Social Audit
- Local communities and stakeholders participate
- Feedback used to improve services
