- Why in news
- On 24 March 2026 the Social Justice Ministry told the Lok Sabha about India's fast-growing elderly population and the schemes for their care, led by the umbrella scheme AVYAY.
- What it is
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is the umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for senior citizens. It brings together several components such as grant-in-aid for homes, state action plans, aids and devices, and a helpline. It aims at better quality of life and active, productive ageing.
- Elderly population projection
- Population aged 60 and above is projected to rise from 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore in 2036, or 8.4% to 14.9% of the total.
- Elderline
- The National Helpline for Senior Citizens, number 14567, spreads awareness of the Act and schemes and handles grievances.
- AB-PMJAY expansion
- In October 2024 the scheme was expanded to give Rs 5 lakh a year free cover to all citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of socio-economic status.
- IGNOAPS under NSAP
- Pension of Rs 200 a month for ages 60-79 and Rs 500 for 80 and above, for BPL elderly.
Don’t confuse with AVYAY vs NPHCE: AVYAY is a Social Justice Ministry scheme for welfare. NPHCE is a Health Ministry programme for geriatric healthcare.
Don’t confuse with Atal Pension Yojana vs NSAP pension: APY is a contributory pension for those aged 18-40, paid from 60. NSAP gives non-contributory pension to BPL elderly.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Elderly share nearly doubling by 2036 raises demand for health, pension and care services.
- An umbrella scheme brings many senior-care components under one framework.
Problems
- NSAP pensions of Rs 200-500 are small and have been stagnant.
- Care homes and geriatric specialists are few compared with rising needs.
Way forward
- Raise and index social pensions and widen coverage.
- Build geriatric care capacity and train professional caregivers.
Put in your answer
Demographic shift: Population aged 60+ projected at 23 crore (14.9%) in 2036, against 10 crore in 2011.
NITI Aayog position paper: Senior Care Reforms in India assesses ageing's effect on employment, social security, health and the economy.
- 2022Mains GS3 · Q5Challenges from rising life expectancy and steps to meet them
- 2013Mains GS1 · Q17Critically examine globalization's effect on India's aged population
- 2020Mains GS2 · Q6Discuss health care policies needed for geriatric and maternal care
- 2004Prelims Q9Incorrect statement on Annapurna food grains for indigent senior citizens
- 2002Prelims Q96Statements on National Old Age Pension Scheme provisions
- 2020Prelims Q9Which citizens get free legal services from Legal Services Authorities
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Umbrella scheme for senior citizens plus ageing projections: 60+ share to rise from 8.4% to 14.9% by 2036.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.