Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Ageing can sometimes bring difficulties with walking, hearing, seeing clearly or carrying out everyday activities independently. For senior citizens facing such age-related difficulties, access to the right assistive device can make daily life safer and more manageable. The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) addresses this need by providing eligible senior citizens with free physical aids and assisted-living devices. The scheme covers senior citizens aged 60 years and above who meet the prescribed economic and health-related conditions, including those belonging to the BPL category or having a monthly income of up to ₹15,000. Depending on the assessment, beneficiaries can receive devices such as walking sticks, walkers, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures and spectacles, along with other specialised support devices.

Launched on 1 April 2017, RVY is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India and is now a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the broader framework for the welfare and well-being of senior citizens. Its objective is not simply to distribute equipment but to help eligible elderly persons overcome age-related disabilities or infirmities, improve mobility and everyday functioning, and live with greater independence and dignity. The assistive devices provided under the scheme are required to meet applicable quality standards, including Bureau of Indian Standards specifications wherever applicable.

The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is the implementing agency responsible for carrying out the assessment and distribution of assistive devices in coordination with the concerned State and district administration. The support is provided through assessment and distribution camps, while newer service arrangements also provide access through designated centres. This makes the scheme particularly useful for senior citizens who need physical support but may find it difficult to arrange such devices on their own.

Eligibility for Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana depends on the senior citizen's age, income and age-related disability or infirmity. Generally, the applicant must be 60 years or above and either belong to the BPL category or have a monthly income of up to ₹15,000. The required device is decided after assessing the applicant's needs. The scheme covers age-related problems such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and difficulty in walking or movement.

RVY is not a pension scheme and does not provide monthly cash assistance. Instead, eligible senior citizens receive suitable assistive and assisted-living devices free of cost. Depending on their needs, these may include walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers, hearing aids, artificial dentures, spectacles, wheelchairs, commode chairs, knee braces, spinal supports, cervical collars, lumbosacral belts, walkers with brakes, walking sticks with seats and foot-care kits.

The process is based on assessment rather than automatic distribution. Eligible senior citizens can access the scheme through assessment camps and designated centres, where their requirements are checked before the appropriate device is provided. For senior citizens aged 80 years and above, the scheme also provides for doorstep delivery of prescribed devices, making it easier for those who may have difficulty travelling to a camp or centre.

For help regarding eligibility, assessment camps or access to senior citizen welfare services, beneficiaries can also use the Elderline 14567, the national helpline for senior citizens under AVYAY. Readers should also check announcements from their District Social Welfare Office or district administration because the availability and scheduling of assessment and distribution activities can vary by location.

Senior citizens looking for other forms of support can also explore related schemes available on GovtSchemes.in. For example, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) provides monthly pension support to eligible senior citizens from BPL households, while the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is designed to provide regular interest income to eligible senior citizens. Readers can also explore the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) to understand the wider Government framework covering senior citizen homes, healthcare, assistive devices, helpline services and other forms of support.

Scheme Benefits

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana provides eligible senior citizens with suitable assistive and assisted-living devices free of cost. The support is based on the beneficiary's assessed needs and is intended to make everyday activities easier and more independent.

• Eligible senior citizens receive physical aids and assisted-living devices free of cost.
• Beneficiaries can receive suitable aids for age-related problems such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and mobility difficulties.
• Devices may include walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers, tripods, quadpods, hearing aids, artificial dentures and spectacles.
• Specialised support may include wheelchairs, wheelchairs with commode, commode chairs, knee braces, spinal supports, cervical collars and lumbosacral belts.
• Eligible beneficiaries may also receive walkers or rollators with brakes, walking sticks with seats and foot-care kits, depending on their assessed requirements.
• The devices are provided after an assessment of the beneficiary's individual need, so the aid can be matched with the person's age-related disability or infirmity.
• Senior citizens aged 80 years and above can receive the prescribed devices through doorstep delivery.
• The scheme helps beneficiaries improve mobility, hearing, vision and day-to-day functioning.
• By providing suitable assistive devices, the scheme supports greater independence and reduces dependence on caregivers.
• The devices are required to meet applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications wherever such standards are applicable.
• The scheme also provides for maintenance support for the supplied devices as per the applicable scheme provisions.

There is no direct cash or monthly financial assistance under RVY. The main benefit is the free provision of suitable physical aids and assisted-living devices to eligible senior citizens.

List of Assistive Devices Under RVY

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana covers a range of physical aids and assisted-living devices for senior citizens with age-related disabilities or infirmities. The device is not selected automatically; it is provided according to the beneficiary's requirement identified during the assessment.

Generic Items

• Walking sticks
• Elbow crutches
• Walkers and crutches
• Tripods and quadpods
• Hearing aids
• Artificial dentures
• Spectacles

Special Items

• Wheelchairs
• Wheelchairs with commode
• Chair or stool with commode
• Silicon foam cushions
• Knee braces
• Spinal supports
• Cervical collars
• Lumbosacral belts
• Walkers or rollators with brakes
• Walking sticks with seats
• Foot-care kits, including flexi gel socks, cushioned sandals and silicone insoles

The final device depends on the beneficiary's age-related disability or infirmity and the assessment carried out by the authorised team. A beneficiary with more than one eligible requirement may receive more than one suitable device, subject to the applicable scheme provisions.

Eligibility Requirements

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is meant for senior citizens who need support because of age-related disabilities or infirmities. To receive assistance under the scheme, applicants must meet the prescribed age, income and other eligibility conditions.

• The applicant must be a senior citizen aged 60 years or above.
• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The applicant must have an age-related disability or infirmity such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth or locomotor difficulty.
• The applicant must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category or have a monthly income of not more than ₹15,000.
• The applicant must have an Aadhaar card as required for establishing identity.
• The applicant should not have received the same assistive device free of cost from a Government source during the previous three years.
• The required device must be considered suitable for the applicant based on the assessment carried out under the scheme.
• Senior citizens aged 80 years and above are eligible for the doorstep delivery facility for prescribed devices, subject to the applicable scheme provisions.

Required Documents

Applicants need to provide documents that confirm their identity, age and eligibility for assistance under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana. The documents may vary slightly depending on the beneficiary's category and the requirements of the assessment camp or centre.

• Aadhaar Card for identity verification.
• Income Certificate showing monthly income of not more than ₹15,000, where the applicant is applying under the income-based eligibility category.
• BPL Card or other valid BPL-related proof, where applicable.
• Proof of age, if the applicant's age is not clearly available from the Aadhaar record.
• Relevant medical certificate, prescription or assessment report, where required to establish the need for an assistive device.
• Old-age pension or other supporting documents, where applicable.

Applicants should carry the original documents along with copies when visiting an assessment camp or designated centre. Local authorities or the implementing agency may ask for additional documents depending on the beneficiary's circumstances.

Steps to Apply

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana does not follow a regular online application process in which a senior citizen submits a form and waits for approval. Benefits are generally arranged through assessment camps, designated centres and the concerned district administration. The following steps explain how an eligible senior citizen can access the scheme.

• First, contact the District Social Welfare Office, District Administration or the nearest ALIMCO-supported centre to find out whether an RVY assessment camp or service centre is available in your area.
• You can also seek guidance through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment or the Senior Citizens Welfare Portal for information related to senior citizen welfare services and RVY.
• Keep your Aadhaar Card, income certificate or BPL proof and other relevant documents ready before attending the assessment.
• Attend the assessment camp or designated centre on the scheduled date. A medical or rehabilitation team will examine the senior citizen and identify the type of assistive device required.
• During the assessment, the applicant's age-related disability or infirmity and the suitability of the required device are checked.
• Once the requirement is confirmed, the beneficiary is included in the list for distribution of the prescribed device.
• The approved assistive device is then provided free of cost through the distribution process organised by ALIMCO and the concerned administration.
• Beneficiaries should check the fitting and working of the device at the time of distribution and ask the responsible team about maintenance or after-sales support if required.
• Senior citizens aged 80 years and above who qualify for assistance can receive the prescribed device through the doorstep delivery facility, subject to the applicable arrangements.

Since RVY is largely implemented through camps and designated service centres, the availability and schedule can differ from one district to another. Senior citizens or their family members can also call Elderline 14567 for guidance on senior citizen welfare services.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana vs Mukhyamantri Vayoshri Yojana

The similar names can cause confusion, but the two schemes are different. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a Central Government scheme, while Mukhyamantri Vayoshri Yojana is a Maharashtra Government scheme.

Therefore, a search for "Vayoshri Yojana" can refer to two different schemes. Readers should check the name of the implementing government before applying or looking for benefits.

Relevant Links

• Department of Social Justice and Empowerment – AVYAY Scheme Page
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana – Senior Citizens Welfare Portal
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana Guidelines
• ALIMCO – Implementing Agency

Contact Information

For questions related to assistive devices, RVY distribution and beneficiary support, applicants can contact the implementing agency, ALIMCO. For general senior citizen welfare guidance, Elderline 14567 can also be used.

Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)

• Phone: 0512-2770172, 0512-2770173, 0512-2770174
• Toll-Free: 1800-180-5129
• Email: [email protected]
• Customer Care Email: [email protected]
• Address: ALIMCO, G.T. Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 209217
• ALIMCO – Contact and Customer Care

National Helpline for Senior Citizens – Elderline

• Phone: 14567
• Service: Information, guidance, support and grievance-related assistance for senior citizens
• Availability: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, subject to the current operational schedule

For district-specific RVY camps or assessment arrangements, senior citizens can also contact their District Social Welfare Office or District Administration.