On 28 October 2026, the Central Government released ₹77.98 crore as grant-in-aid for 755 senior citizen welfare projects. The release covers the quarter ending 30 September 2026, in the financial year 2026–27. The funds were released under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment administers the scheme.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
Launched in 2021, AVYAY is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to support “ageing with dignity” and “ageing in place” for senior citizens. The scheme provides a framework for welfare services and support for older persons. The Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens is a component of AVYAY. It provides grant-in-aid for eligible organisations to deliver institutional care and related services for older persons. These services include support through facilities such as old-age homes and continuous-care homes. The programme’s projects are intended to strengthen service delivery for senior citizens.
Funding and population context
The ₹77.98 crore grant-in-aid covers 755 projects for the September 2026 quarter. India’s senior citizen population is projected to reach 23 crore by 2036. Welfare programmes such as AVYAY provide support through institutional care and other services for older persons. The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is another component of AVYAY. It provides eligible senior citizens with assisted-living devices to address age-related disabilities and infirmities. AVYAY also includes measures relating to senior citizen care and welfare.
Constitutional and legal framework
Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to make provision for public assistance in cases including old age, subject to its economic capacity and development. It forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 provides a legal framework for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens. The Act defines a senior citizen as an Indian citizen aged 60 years or above.
Important Facts for Exams
- AVYAY was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens is a component of AVYAY.
- Article 41 is included in Part IV of the Constitution of India.
- The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act was enacted in 2007.
The 2026–27 grant release covered the quarter ending 30 September 2026. India’s senior citizen population is projected to reach 23 crore by 2036.
