India is a country with a large number of senior citizens, many of whom live in poverty and face difficulties in their day-to-day lives due to age-related health issues. These elderly people often cannot afford the support devices they need, such as hearing aids, spectacles, wheelchairs, or walking sticks. To help such individuals, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) in 2017.
This scheme is specially designed to provide free aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens who belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, including who can apply, what benefits are available, how it works, and why it’s so important.
What is Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) is a welfare scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, on 1st April 2017. The purpose of the scheme is to support elderly people from poor backgrounds by giving them free aids and assistive devices that can make their daily life easier and more comfortable.
These aids are meant to help those who suffer from age-related disabilities like weak eyesight, hearing loss, problems with walking, or missing teeth. The devices are provided free of cost, and the entire cost is borne by the central government. Funds for the scheme come from the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund.
Who Implements the Scheme?
The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is the sole agency responsible for implementing this scheme. ALIMCO is a government-run organization that manufactures and distributes prosthetic limbs and other support devices for differently-abled persons.
In this scheme, ALIMCO organizes distribution camps in selected districts where eligible beneficiaries are provided with the necessary assistive devices. It also handles the maintenance of these devices for one year after distribution.
Why Was This Scheme Needed?
Many senior citizens in India live in poverty, especially in rural and backward areas. As they grow older, they suffer from various physical problems that make their daily life difficult. Unfortunately, they often cannot afford basic assistive devices that can help them stay independent and improve their quality of life.
Problems like weak eyesight, hearing issues, and mobility difficulties can lead to loneliness, helplessness, and even depression in the elderly. By providing the necessary aids, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana helps them regain confidence, stay active, and live with dignity.
Who is Eligible for Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?
To benefit from this scheme, a person must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Senior Citizen: The person must be 60 years or older.
- BPL Category: The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line family and must possess a valid BPL Card issued by a competent authority.
- Indian Citizen: The person must be a resident of India.
- Aadhaar Card: The beneficiary should have an Aadhaar Card or at least the Aadhaar enrollment receipt.
- Disability Certificate: The person should be suffering from one or more age-related disabilities, such as:
- Weak eyesight (low vision)
- Hearing problems (hearing impairment)
- Loss of teeth
- Difficulty in walking (locomotor disability)
A medical certificate issued by a qualified doctor or a district hospital must be provided to confirm the disability.
- Not Received Earlier: The person must not have received the same device free of cost from any other government source in the last 3 years.
- Additional Conditions:
- At least 30% of beneficiaries must be women.
- The number of SC/ST beneficiaries must be at least equal to their population percentage in the district.
Documents Required for Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?
To apply for the scheme, the following documents are required:
- Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Enrollment Slip
- BPL Card or BPL Ration Card
- Age Proof (like birth certificate, school certificate, etc.)
- Disability Certificate from a Government Doctor
- Residential Proof
- Passport-size Photograph
Benefits of Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, eligible senior citizens are provided with the following aids and assistive devices completely free of cost:
1. Walking Aids: For people who have difficulty walking due to age-related issues:
- Walking Sticks
- Crutches
- Elbow Crutches
- Tripods or Quadpods
- Walkers
2. Hearing Aids: For those with hearing problems, the scheme provides hearing aids to help them hear more clearly and participate in conversations.
3. Artificial Dentures: Senior citizens who have lost their teeth are provided with artificial dentures (false teeth), helping them to chew food properly and speak clearly.
4. Spectacles: People with weak eyesight are given spectacles to improve their vision and reduce the chances of accidents or falls.
5. Wheelchairs: Those who cannot walk or move due to severe disability receive wheelchairs so that they can move around independently.
How Are the Devices Distributed?
ALIMCO conducts distribution camps in selected districts where the aids and devices are given to eligible people. The process usually involves:
- Identification of Beneficiaries: Local district administration, NGOs, or Panchayats help identify eligible senior citizens.
- Health Check-up: Medical officers check the physical condition of applicants and suggest the required aids.
- Distribution Camp: Once everything is verified, ALIMCO sets up a camp in the district where the aids are distributed.
- Training and Guidance: Beneficiaries are shown how to use the devices properly.
- Free Maintenance: For the first year, ALIMCO provides free repair and maintenance of the devices.
How Much Does It Cost the Government?
The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government through the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. The average cost per person is around ₹7,000, depending on the number and type of aids required by the individual.
Coverage of Districts
- As of 2019-20, 326 districts across India were selected for the scheme.
- In 135 districts, a total of 77 distribution camps had been conducted (as of January 2019).
Number of Beneficiaries
- More than 70,000 senior citizens had received benefits under the scheme by early 2019.
- The number has grown significantly since then, with regular camps held across the country.
Why Rashtriya Vayoshri Scheme Matters
For many elderly people living in poverty, the aid provided through this scheme is life-changing. Some of the major impacts include:
- Better Mobility: Devices like wheelchairs and walkers help them move freely without depending on others.
- Improved Health: Dentures, spectacles, and hearing aids improve their quality of life and reduce health problems.
- More Confidence: These aids help them become more independent, boosting their self-esteem.
- Social Inclusion: With better communication and mobility, they can participate in community life and feel more included.
Challenges and Suggestions
Although the scheme is excellent in its intention and implementation, there are still some challenges:
- Awareness: Many eligible people do not know about the scheme.
- Delay in Distribution: In some places, camps are delayed due to administrative issues.
- Limited Camps: Some districts are yet to organize camps even after being selected.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Conduct awareness drives using radio, TV, social media, and Panchayats.
- Involve local NGOs to reach remote areas.
- Ensure regular monitoring and quick redressal of complaints.
Conclusion
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a thoughtful and much-needed step by the Indian government to help elderly citizens who belong to the poor and vulnerable sections of society. By providing essential aids and devices, the scheme is not only improving their health but also giving them a chance to live with dignity and confidence.
With better awareness and wider implementation, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana has the potential to become a true lifeline for millions of senior citizens across the country.