Daily Current Affairs : 13-July-2023

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment introduced the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) with the aim of recognizing and supporting the invaluable contribution made by the elderly to society. This scheme is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and social inclusion of senior citizens in India. By uplifting them and promoting their active participation in all aspects of life, AVYAY seeks to empower this vital segment of our population.

Revamping and Renaming:

Before AVYAY came into existence, there was a scheme called the National Action Plan for Senior Citizen (NAPSrc). However, in 2021, it underwent a significant transformation and was renamed as the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, encompassing various sub-schemes under its umbrella.

Sub-scheme 1: Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):

One of the major components of AVYAY is the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), which aims to provide financial assistance to eligible organizations for running and maintaining Senior Citizen Homes or Continuous Care Homes. These facilities offer a comfortable and secure living environment for senior citizens, ensuring that their physical and emotional needs are met.

Sub-scheme 2: Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):

Another essential aspect of AVYAY is the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). This sub-scheme targets eligible senior citizens who suffer from age-related disabilities or infirmities. Through RVY, these individuals receive assisted living devices that help restore near-normalcy in their bodily functions. By providing them with necessary aids, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and improve their overall well-being.

Eligibility Criteria:

To benefit from the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, senior citizens must meet certain eligibility criteria. They should either belong to the ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) category or have a monthly income not exceeding Rs. 15,000. By focusing on those who are economically disadvantaged, the scheme ensures that those who need support the most receive the necessary assistance.

The Importance of AVYAY:

The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the elderly in India. Let’s explore the significance of this scheme and the impact it has on society.

  1. Acknowledging the Elderly’s Contributions:

AVYAY recognizes the significant contributions made by senior citizens to society over the years. Through their hard work, wisdom, and experience, they have played a vital role in shaping our nation. The scheme aims to show gratitude and respect to this generation by providing them with the support they need in their golden years.

  1. Social Inclusion and Empowerment:

Social inclusion is a fundamental aspect of AVYAY. By uplifting senior citizens and ensuring their active participation in various activities, the scheme combats social isolation, which is a prevalent issue among the elderly. It empowers them to lead fulfilling lives and remain engaged members of the community.

  1. Improving Quality of Life:

Many senior citizens face financial constraints and health challenges. AVYAY addresses these issues through its sub-schemes, IPSrC and RVY. By providing financial aid and assisted living devices, the scheme aims to improve the overall quality of life for senior citizens, ensuring that they have access to essential resources and support.

  1. Alleviating Burden on Families:

In many Indian households, taking care of elderly family members can be challenging due to financial and time constraints. AVYAY’s support in establishing Senior Citizen Homes and providing assisted living devices reduces the burden on families and ensures that the elderly receive the care and attention they deserve.

Important Points:

  • The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) was introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to empower senior citizens in India and ensure their well-being and social inclusion.
  • AVYAY is a revamped version of the National Action Plan for Senior Citizen (NAPSrc) and was renamed in 2021.
  • The scheme has two major sub-schemes:
    • Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Provides financial assistance to eligible organizations for running and maintaining Senior Citizen Homes/ Continuous Care Homes.
    • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Provides assisted living devices to eligible senior citizens with age-related disabilities/ infirmities to improve their bodily functions.
  • To be eligible for AVYAY, senior citizens must either belong to the ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) category or have a monthly income not exceeding Rs. 15,000.
  • AVYAY acknowledges the contributions made by senior citizens to society and aims to show gratitude and respect for their efforts.
  • Social inclusion and empowerment are essential aspects of AVYAY, ensuring active participation and engagement of senior citizens in various activities.
  • The scheme focuses on improving the quality of life for senior citizens by addressing financial constraints and health challenges through its sub-schemes.
  • AVYAY aims to alleviate the burden on families by providing support through Senior Citizen Homes and assisted living devices.
  • The scheme emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and caring environment for the elderly.
  • AVYAY represents a step towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society, where every generation is valued and cared for.
Why In News

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently announced the expansion of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, aimed at further uplifting and empowering the elderly population in our society. With its enhanced coverage and benefits, the program seeks to provide comprehensive support and resources to ensure a dignified and secure life for senior citizens across the nation.

MCQs about Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

  1. What is the primary objective of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)?
    A. Providing financial assistance to the youth
    B. Supporting senior citizens and ensuring their well-being
    C. Encouraging entrepreneurship among the elderly
    D. Promoting education for underprivileged children
    Correct Answer: B. Supporting senior citizens and ensuring their well-being
    Explanation: AVYAY’s main aim is to empower senior citizens in India and promote their well-being and social inclusion.
  2. Which of the following sub-schemes under AVYAY provides financial assistance to eligible organizations for running and maintaining Senior Citizen Homes?
    A. Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
    B. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
    C. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
    D. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
    Correct Answer: A. Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
    Explanation: IPSrC is one of the sub-schemes under AVYAY that provides financial aid to organizations for running and maintaining Senior Citizen Homes.
  3. What are the eligibility criteria for senior citizens to benefit from AVYAY?
    A. Must be above 60 years of age
    B. Should have a monthly income below Rs. 10,000
    C. Must belong to the ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) category or have a monthly income up to Rs. 15,000
    D. Should be physically fit and able to work
    Correct Answer: C. Must belong to the ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) category or have a monthly income up to Rs. 15,000
    Explanation: Senior citizens meeting these financial criteria are eligible to avail the benefits of AVYAY.
  4. How does the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) contribute to improving the quality of life for senior citizens?
    A. By providing free healthcare services to all elderly individuals
    B. By offering financial incentives to senior citizens for starting businesses
    C. By addressing financial constraints and health challenges through sub-schemes like IPSrC and RVY
    D. By organizing entertainment events for senior citizens
    Correct Answer: C. By addressing financial constraints and health challenges through sub-schemes like IPSrC and RVY
    Explanation: AVYAY provides financial assistance to eligible organizations for Senior Citizen Homes and offers assisted living devices through the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) to improve the bodily functions of senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities or infirmities. This, in turn, helps in enhancing their overall quality of life.

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