The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in India has been actively working on a program known as the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), which is a part of the broader Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). This initiative focuses on providing financial aid to non-governmental and voluntary organizations. The primary goal of these organizations is to operate and maintain facilities for senior citizens, notably old age homes and Continuous Care Homes.
These homes are designed to provide a range of services including shelter, food, medical care, and recreational activities, all at no cost. The program targets indigent senior citizens across all genders, aiming to ensure they age with dignity and comfort. A notable aspect of the IPSrC is its specific provision for Elderly Women’s Senior Citizens’ Homes. Currently, there are 604 Senior Citizens’ Homes supported under this program, with 25 of them specifically dedicated to elderly women.
Moreover, the Department is also responsible for implementing the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens. This plan involves providing grants to various states and union territories in India. The funding is primarily allocated for three major purposes: the development of a skilled workforce of Geriatric Caregivers to tend to the needs of senior citizens, organizing special drives to perform Cataract Surgeries, and conducting state-specific activities. These activities are focused on raising awareness and sensitivity towards the welfare of senior citizens, especially those who are in financial need.
This comprehensive approach towards senior citizen welfare was detailed by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik, in a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. Her statement underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of elderly citizens, particularly women, through these thoughtful and targeted initiatives.