The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is scheduled to launch the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan, or National Intergenerational Bonding Campaign, in the National Capital on November 4, 2026. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar will preside over the launch.
Campaign framework and volunteer drive
Rolled out under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the campaign aims to build sustained solidarity between senior citizens and young people through mutual respect, companionship and shared responsibility. Its 5C framework—Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue—will guide regular community interaction and collaborative activities. The Vayo SAATHI volunteer drive, whose name stands for Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health and Inclusion, is open to citizens aged 18 and above. Volunteers can register through the SCW SAMAVESH Portal or JEEVAN App and receive an official certificate after completing service milestones.
Thematic activities and partnerships
The campaign will cover 12 thematic areas, including “30 Minutes Together”, “Digital Dada-Dadi/Digital Saathi” and “Silver Skills – Seniors as Mentors”. These activities are intended to foster companionship, digital literacy, health awareness and skill-sharing. The Ministry is also scheduled to release a campaign handbook and sign memoranda of understanding with Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, for wellness and intergenerational engagement.
Important Facts for Exams
- Bureau structure: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has five bureaus, including a Social Defense Bureau headed by a Joint Secretary.
- Senior-citizen remit: The Ministry’s welfare remit explicitly includes elderly people among the disadvantaged and marginalised groups it serves.
- AVYAY components: AVYAY is an umbrella scheme whose components include the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and the SAGE initiative.
- Residential-care support: Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, central assistance supports eligible voluntary organisations providing services such as residential care for indigent older people.
