AVYAY – National Action Plan for Senior Citizens: Health and Shelter for Senior Citizens
AVYAY National Action Plan for Senior Citizens: Benefits, Eligibility, Grants and Application Process
The AVYAY National Action Plan for Senior Citizens is an important government welfare initiative for the welfare, health, safety and dignity of senior citizens in India.
AVYAY stands for Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. It is implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The scheme focuses particularly on senior citizens who are poor, indigent, homeless, neglected or in need of care and support. It provides a framework for supporting facilities such as senior citizen homes, continuous care homes, mobile healthcare services, physiotherapy services and resource and training centres.
The government provides financial assistance to eligible implementing organisations and agencies under the relevant components of the scheme.
The official e-Anudaan portal is used for online submission and processing of grant-in-aid proposals under schemes administered by the Ministry. The portal currently lists National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC) and related senior citizen programmes.
What is AVYAY?
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is an umbrella initiative for the welfare of senior citizens.
Its broad purpose is to promote:
- Healthy ageing
- Social security
- Shelter and care
- Healthcare support
- Protection and dignity
- Active participation of senior citizens in society
- Better institutional support for elderly people
The scheme is particularly important for senior citizens who do not have adequate financial or family support.
Main Objectives of AVYAY
The major objectives of the AVYAY National Action Plan for Senior Citizens include:
1. Improve the quality of life of senior citizens
The programme aims to create better living conditions and support systems for elderly people.
2. Provide shelter to vulnerable senior citizens
Senior citizens who are unable to support themselves may receive support through institutions established and operated under eligible programmes.
3. Provide healthcare and continuous care
Healthcare and long-term care are important components, particularly for elderly people who need regular assistance.
4. Provide social and psychological support
The programme also recognises the importance of social interaction, emotional support and dignity in old age.
5. Strengthen elderly-care institutions
Eligible government agencies, organisations and NGOs can receive financial assistance for approved activities under the applicable guidelines.
Major Components Under AVYAY
The senior citizen welfare framework includes different programmes and activities.
Important components include:
Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
IPSrC supports approved projects and services intended for the welfare and care of senior citizens.
State Action Plan for Senior Citizens
The State Action Plan component supports programmes proposed by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for senior citizen welfare.
The official AVYAY guidelines provide for financial assistance to States/UTs for approved programmes under the State Action Plan. The guidelines state that assistance can cover 90% of the project cost for specified SAPSrC programmes, subject to the applicable rules and approved models.
Projects and Facilities Supported Under AVYAY
Depending on the applicable component and current guidelines, support may be available for projects such as:
- Senior Citizen Homes
- Old Age Homes
- Continuous Care Homes
- Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs)
- Mobile Medicare Units
- Physiotherapy-related services
- Other approved senior citizen welfare activities
The availability of a particular project, grant amount and eligibility requirements should always be checked against the latest Ministry notification or applicable scheme guidelines.
Financial Assistance and Grant Details
The financial assistance under AVYAY depends on the type and size of the approved project.
The figures below are based on the grant structure referred to in the scheme material supplied for this article. Applicants should verify the applicable amount in the latest notification before submitting a proposal.
Senior Citizen Home – 25 Beneficiaries
For an approved Senior Citizen Home with 25 beneficiaries, the annual recurring assistance mentioned in the scheme material is:
| City Category | Annual Grant |
|---|---|
| X Category City | ₹25,04,355 |
| Y Category City | ₹24,71,355 |
| Z Category City | ₹24,38,355 |
Senior Citizen Home – 50 Beneficiaries
For a Senior Citizen Home serving 50 beneficiaries or 50 elderly women, the amounts mentioned are:
| City Category | Annual Grant |
|---|---|
| X Category City | ₹42,11,228 |
| Y Category City | ₹41,61,228 |
| Z Category City | ₹41,12,228 |
Continuous Care Home – Minimum 20 Beneficiaries
For a Continuous Care Home with at least 20 beneficiaries:
| City Category | Annual Grant |
|---|---|
| X Category City | ₹30,77,310 |
| Y Category City | ₹30,44,310 |
| Z Category City | ₹30,11,310 |
Important: Grant amounts can depend on the applicable guidelines, approved project model, location and government sanction. Therefore, organisations should verify the latest official notification before using these figures for financial planning.
Non-Recurring Grant
The scheme material also mentions non-recurring assistance for certain approved projects.
Senior Citizen Home – 25 Indigent Beneficiaries
₹3,09,105 every five years
Senior Citizen Home – 50 Indigent Beneficiaries
₹4,12,140 every five years
Continuous Care Home – 20 Indigent Beneficiaries
₹3,09,105 every five years
The non-recurring component may include eligible infrastructure and equipment-related expenditure according to the applicable guidelines.
The supplied scheme information also refers to items such as CCTV cameras and website development costs within the relevant grant structure.
Funeral Expense Support
The scheme material also provides for assistance in connection with the death of a resident senior citizen.
The stated assistance is:
₹10,000 or the actual expenditure, whichever is lower.
This support is subject to the applicable scheme rules and approved expenditure conditions.
State Action Plan Funding
Under the State Action Plan component, the official AVYAY guidelines state that 90% of the project cost may be supported for approved programmes/models under SAPSrC.
State Governments and Union Territory Administrations are responsible for preparing and submitting their action plans according to the applicable procedure.
The guidelines also provide for State-specific activities for senior citizen welfare.
How is the Grant Disbursed?
Grant-in-aid applications are processed through the government’s e-Anudaan portal.
The e-Anudaan system facilitates online submission of NGO proposals and the grant-in-aid process, including verification, inspection, scrutiny, recommendation, financial approval and sanction.
The process may involve:
- Online proposal submission
- Document verification
- Inspection
- Scrutiny
- Recommendation
- Financial approval
- Grant sanction
- Release of funds
The exact number and timing of instalments can depend on the particular project, financial year and applicable guidelines.
Important Conditions for Receiving Grant
An organisation receiving government assistance is generally required to comply with the applicable Ministry guidelines and financial procedures.
Important requirements may include:
- Maintaining proper beneficiary records
- Maintaining attendance records
- Proper utilisation of government funds
- Submission of utilisation certificates
- Compliance with inspection requirements
- Maintaining financial records
- Following applicable PFMS requirements
- Providing required monitoring information
- Following applicable infrastructure and service standards
- Compliance with Ministry directions regarding monitoring and transparency
Organisations should carefully read the latest notification and guidelines before submitting a proposal.
Eligibility of Senior Citizens
The welfare programmes are intended to support senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable and require assistance.
Depending on the particular project, beneficiaries may include elderly people who:
- Are senior citizens
- Are indigent or unable to support themselves
- Do not have adequate family or financial support
- Need shelter or institutional care
- Require healthcare or regular assistance
Continuous Care Home
Continuous Care Homes are intended for senior citizens who require a higher level of care.
This may include elderly people suffering from serious health conditions or age-related conditions such as:
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Other serious illnesses
- Conditions requiring continuous care
The exact beneficiary criteria depend on the applicable project guidelines.
Who Can Implement AVYAY Projects?
Depending on the particular component and notification, eligible implementing agencies can include government and recognised organisations.
Possible categories include:
- Central Government agencies
- State Government agencies
- Union Territory Administrations
- Panchayati Raj Institutions
- Urban Local Bodies
- Government autonomous organisations
- Recognised educational institutions
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan
- Eligible NGOs and voluntary organisations
- Other organisations specifically permitted under the applicable guidelines
Eligibility should always be checked against the latest project-specific notification.
Eligibility of NGOs and Voluntary Organisations
Eligible NGOs may be considered for approved senior citizen welfare projects if they satisfy the applicable conditions.
The scheme information supplied for this article refers to organisations such as:
Registered Societies
Organisations registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 may be eligible subject to the applicable conditions.
Public Trusts
Recognised public charitable trusts may also be considered where permitted.
Charitable Companies
Charitable companies incorporated under the applicable provisions of company law may be eligible.
Indian Red Cross Society
The scheme material also identifies the Indian Red Cross Society or its branches among eligible organisation categories.
Other Requirements
Depending on the project, requirements may include:
- Minimum period of registration
- Relevant experience in the social sector
- Proper financial records
- Joint bank account
- Adequate staff
- Suitable infrastructure
- Beneficiary records
- Relevant healthcare experience for Continuous Care Homes
- Compliance with government monitoring requirements
The current notification for the particular project should be checked before applying.
Priority and Preference Areas
The supplied information identifies several groups and organisations that may receive preference under relevant project provisions, such as:
- Senior citizen self-help groups
- CSR foundations
- Start-ups working in elderly care
- NGOs
- Charitable trusts
- Organisations with relevant senior-care experience
However, preference does not automatically mean approval. The applicant must satisfy the applicable eligibility criteria and the project must be approved under the relevant government guidelines.
Projects That May Not Be Eligible
The scheme contains restrictions on certain new projects under particular components.
According to the supplied information:
- New Mobile Medicare Units may not be supported under the relevant IPSrC component.
- New Physiotherapy Clinics may not be supported under the relevant State Action Plan component.
These conditions can change through government notifications. Applicants should therefore check the latest Ministry notification before preparing a proposal.
AVYAY Application Process
The application process for an organisation generally involves several stages.
Step 1: Identify the Requirement or Gap
For State-level programmes, the concerned authorities identify senior citizen welfare requirements and project gaps.
The latest e-Anudaan portal is used for online grant-related processes under the Ministry’s schemes. The portal currently lists the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens among its schemes.
Step 2: Register on NGO-DARPAN
For NGOs, registration on the NITI Aayog NGO-DARPAN portal is an important prerequisite before registration on e-Anudaan.
The official e-Anudaan portal states that an NGO must first register with NGO-DARPAN and obtain an NGO Unique ID.
Step 3: Register on e-Anudaan
After obtaining the NGO-DARPAN Unique ID, the organisation can proceed with registration on the e-Anudaan portal.
The official portal states that the organisation’s NGO-DARPAN information is used during registration.
Step 4: Add the Relevant Scheme
After successful login, the organisation needs to select/add the applicable scheme for which the proposal is being submitted.
The official NGO user manual explains that registered NGOs can add the applicable scheme after login.
Step 5: Submit the Proposal
The organisation submits the project proposal along with the required documents.
The proposal may then go through:
- Verification
- Inspection
- Scrutiny
- Recommendation
- Financial approval
- Sanction
The e-Anudaan portal is designed to facilitate these stages electronically.
Step 6: Grant Release
After approval and sanction, the grant is released according to the applicable financial rules and conditions.
Important Note About Application Dates
The dates in different AVYAY notifications can vary depending on the financial year, project type and whether the proposal is for a new or ongoing project.
For example, the official e-Anudaan portal has published different AVYAY application notices for different financial years and project categories. It also published a notice in April 2025 stating that the portal was open for applications for ongoing and new AVYAY projects for FY 2025–26.
Therefore, applicants should not rely on an old fixed date such as 30 April, 15 June or 30 June without checking the latest notification.
Always check the current e-Anudaan notice before submitting an application.
Documents Required for AVYAY Application
The exact documents depend on the organisation and project.
Common documents may include:
- Registration Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Trust Deed, where applicable
- PAN Card of the organisation
- NGO-DARPAN Unique ID
- Audited financial statements
- Utilisation Certificate
- Staff details
- Beneficiary details
- Project proposal
- Bank details
- Bank authorisation documents
- Rent agreement, where applicable
- Infrastructure details
- CCTV compliance information, where applicable
- PFMS-related information
- Previous grant details, where applicable
- Inspection-related documents
The organisation should upload only the documents requested in the current application form and notification.
NGO Registration on e-Anudaan
NGOs should remember that e-Anudaan registration is not the first step.
According to the official portal:
NGO-DARPAN registration → NGO Unique ID → e-Anudaan registration → Scheme selection → Proposal submission
The official e-Anudaan portal also states that registration on the portal generally needs to be completed only once.
Why AVYAY Is Important for Senior Citizens
India’s ageing population creates a growing need for healthcare, shelter, social support and long-term care.
AVYAY is important because it supports a structured approach towards elderly welfare.
The programme can help strengthen:
- Senior citizen homes
- Healthcare support
- Continuous care
- Elderly-friendly services
- Training and capacity building
- State-level senior citizen programmes
- NGO participation
- Social protection for vulnerable elderly people
The overall objective is to help senior citizens live with safety, dignity and better access to care.
AVYAY National Action Plan – Frequently Asked Questions
What is AVYAY?
AVYAY stands for Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. It is an umbrella initiative of the Government of India for the welfare of senior citizens.
Which Ministry implements AVYAY?
AVYAY is implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
What is NAPSrC?
NAPSrC means National Action Plan for Senior Citizens. It covers government-supported programmes for the welfare and care of senior citizens.
What is IPSrC?
IPSrC means Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens. It supports approved projects and services for the welfare of elderly people.
Can NGOs apply under AVYAY?
Yes. Eligible NGOs and other eligible organisations can apply for approved projects, subject to the applicable guidelines and current government notifications.
Is NGO-DARPAN registration required?
Yes. The official e-Anudaan portal states that NGOs must first register on the NGO-DARPAN portal and obtain an NGO Unique ID before registering on e-Anudaan.
Where are AVYAY proposals submitted?
Grant proposals are submitted through the official e-Anudaan portal when the relevant application window is open.
How much grant is available for Senior Citizen Homes?
The grant depends on the approved project model, number of beneficiaries, location and applicable guidelines. The scheme material supplied for this article mentions annual recurring assistance ranging from approximately ₹24 lakh to ₹42 lakh for certain Senior Citizen Home models.
Are Continuous Care Homes supported?
Yes. Continuous care is included among the senior citizen welfare services supported under applicable programme provisions.
Who may need Continuous Care Home services?
Senior citizens requiring continuous support because of serious health conditions, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other significant care needs may be considered under the applicable beneficiary criteria.
Is the Indian Red Cross Society eligible?
The scheme information includes the Indian Red Cross Society and its branches among eligible organisation categories, subject to the applicable conditions.
Are new Mobile Medicare Units supported?
The supplied scheme information states that new Mobile Medicare Units are excluded under the relevant IPSrC provision. Applicants should verify the latest notification before preparing a new proposal.
Are new Physiotherapy Clinics supported?
The supplied information states that new Physiotherapy Clinics are not supported under the relevant State Action Plan provision. Current guidelines should be checked before applying.
Official Application Link
Eligible NGOs should first ensure that they have completed the required NGO-DARPAN registration and obtained their NGO Unique ID.
For the official e-Anudaan portal and NGO login:
Apply Now – Official e-Anudaan NGO Portal
The official portal confirms that NGO-DARPAN registration is required before e-Anudaan registration.
You can also visit the main e-Anudaan portal:
Official e-Anudaan Portal – Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
For NGO technical support, the official portal lists 011-24364461 and the support email support.ngo-msje@nic.in.
Conclusion
The AVYAY National Action Plan for Senior Citizens is an important government framework for improving the welfare, healthcare, shelter and dignity of elderly people.
Through programmes such as the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) and State-level action plans, eligible agencies and organisations can participate in approved senior citizen welfare projects.
NGOs and other implementing agencies should carefully check their eligibility, prepare the required documents and submit proposals through the official e-Anudaan portal when the relevant application window is open.
Because grant amounts, application dates and project conditions can change from one financial year to another, applicants should always verify the latest official notification and guidelines before submitting a proposal.
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