What happened
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) has distributed physical assistive devices and living aids to eligible senior citizens under the broader Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). The scheme is meant to support the welfare, dignity, and social security of senior citizens.
The ministry said that since inception, the scheme has reached senior citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line category or having a monthly income up to ₹15,000.
Background and earlier position
Senior-citizen welfare in India is typically framed through social security, accessibility, and dignity in old age. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment groups several senior-citizen interventions under AVYAY, and RVY is the device-support component within that welfare architecture.
RVY is relevant because assistive devices such as mobility aids and other living supports address functional limitations linked to age-related disabilities. For older persons with limited income, such support can reduce dependence and improve day-to-day mobility.
Related current affairs
- Government strengthens welfare and social security measures for senior citizens under Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY)
- AVYAY and related schemes for welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in North Eastern States
- MoU signed and nationwide programmes under AVYAY to promote welfare of senior citizens; five Senior Citizen Homes inaugurated
- Government promotes re-employment opportunities for senior citizens via National Career Service (NCS) portal
- MoS informs Lok Sabha about revised SC scholarship schemes and DBT-based disbursement
- 332 sanitation workers died in hazardous sewer/septic tank cleaning (Jan 2021–Jun 2026): Lok Sabha reply on MS Act, 2013 enforcement