Over the years, technology has made life infinitely easier for all. The idea now is to expand the scope of technology to benefit people of all ages. The younger generation is adept at finding their way around with the help of technology. However, it is the older generation that finds it to be a difficult task. 

To make sure that technology benefits all walks of life and adds to the quality of life of the people, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana has been devised. 

About the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a scheme for providing Physical aids and assisted-living devices. These devices would be devices specifically for Senior citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line category.

The scheme is a Central sector scheme and would therefore be fully funded by the Central government of India. The expenditure for the implementation of the scheme is being arranged for from the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare fund”. The nodal agency for the implementation of the scheme is the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO) – a PSU registered under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Objective of the scheme

According to the Census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crores. Of these, more than 70% of the senior citizens suffer from some disabilities largely related to old age. Statistical projections indicate that the elderly population will increase to around 173 million by 2026. 

The government has devised the Central Sector scheme to provide Physical aids and Assisted living devices for senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities/infirmities, especially those who belong to the Below poverty line. 

Eligibility criteria for the scheme

Senior citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line and suffering from any age-related disability or infirmities like low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disability will be provided with such assisted-living devices that can help restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested over time. 

The implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit 5,20,000 senior citizens across the country. 

Documents needed to avail the benefits of the scheme

  1. Aadhaar card or any proof of identity like a Passport, Voter ID, driving license.
  2. Proof of BPL status – certificate from the district authority for eligibility / BPL ration card/proof of receiving Old age pension under the Indira Gandhi National Old age pension scheme under the national social citizen’s assistance programme (NSAP) / Any other pension scheme of the state / UT government for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category.
  3. A certificate from the Medical Officer is required to prove loss of vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disability necessitating the use of a wheelchair.