- Why in news
- On 23 September 2026 the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said ELDERLINE 14567 has received over 29 lakh calls, including 8.67 lakh actionable calls, since its 1 October 2021 launch.
- What it is
- ELDERLINE 14567 is the National Helpline for Senior Citizens (NHSC), a toll-free service run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). It gives information, guidance, emotional support and field-level help to older persons through State Connect Centres.
- Coverage
- The helpline is operational in 32 States and Union Territories.
- Monitoring body
- The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) monitors implementation and has handled over 8.67 lakh actionable calls up to 21 September 2026.
- Mode of implementation
- The Ministry implements the helpline through agreements with participating State and UT governments and service providers.
- No cash aid
- The helpline coordinates services and referrals. It gives no direct financial assistance to callers.
- Ministry and launch
- ELDERLINE was launched on 1 October 2021, which is International Day of Older Persons.
Don’t confuse with ELDERLINE vs pension schemes: ELDERLINE is a helpline for information, guidance and referral. Pension schemes such as the National Social Assistance Programme's Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme give cash support.
Don’t confuse with AVYAY vs Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: AVYAY is a scheme of the Ministry. The 2007 Act is a law that makes maintenance of parents and senior citizens a legal obligation of children and relatives.
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
- Gives older persons one number for information, counselling and help, including in remote areas.
- Links police, health, legal aid and welfare departments for field-level action.
Problems
- Only about 8.67 lakh of 29 lakh calls needed action, and field follow-up depends on State capacity.
- It gives no direct financial help, so callers in need of money must be referred elsewhere.
Way forward
- Strengthen State Connect Centres and field coordination with local agencies.
- Expand awareness and digital accessibility, especially in remote areas.
Put in your answer
Multi-agency coordination: Helpline works with State Social Welfare Departments, police, healthcare institutions, legal aid services and senior citizen homes.
- 2022Mains GS3 · Q5Challenges from rising life expectancy and steps needed to meet them
- 2018Mains GS4 · Q7Ethical dilemma in identifying beneficiaries of a healthcare scheme for senior citizens
- 2020Mains GS2 · Q6Discuss need for sound geriatric and maternal health care policies for social development
- 2016Prelims Q76Which statements on Atal Pension Yojana's guaranteed pension and family enrolment are correct
- 2024Prelims Q100Which statements on PM-SYM pension scheme's entry age, contributions, pension, family pension are correct
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: Helpline under a lasting scheme for senior citizens. Schemes are 16% of news-linked Prelims questions, but the release gives little beyond call figures.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.