Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
Also called: RVY · Topic: Safeguards for Vulnerable Sections: SCs, STs, OBCs, Minorities, Women and Children · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) is a central scheme that gives free physical aids and assistive devices to senior citizens. Assistive devices are tools that help a person manage a disability in daily life. The scheme is for elderly people from BPL (below poverty line) families who have age-related disabilities, such as weak eyesight or hearing loss. It is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is one part of AVYAY (Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana), the umbrella scheme for senior citizens that took effect on 1 April 2021. The scheme matters because many poor elderly people cannot pay for such aids. Without them, they can lose their independence and their dignity in old age.
Example
A poor 70-year-old in a village is losing her hearing and has trouble walking. Under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, she can get a hearing aid and a walking aid free of cost. This helps her move around and talk with her family without depending on others.
Don't confuse with
- IPSrC (Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens): another part of AVYAY. It gives money to NGOs to run senior citizen homes and care homes. RVY gives devices to individuals.
- Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan (2026): a campaign under AVYAY that connects young volunteers (Vayo SAATHI) with older people. It deals with loneliness, not with providing physical aids.