Schemes and Policy interventions by Various Ministries

  • Union Budget 2014-2015 announced the revival of Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY), a pension scheme for senior citizens launched a decade ago, for a limited period from 15th August 2014 to 14th August 2015 for the benefit of citizens aged 60 years and above.
  • The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) during 11th Plan in order to address the health-related issues of the elderly. Initially, 100 districts were selected from 21 states for this programme in 11th Five Year Plan. It is proposed to cover 225 more districts during the 12th Five Year Plan in a phased manner and develop 12 additional Regional Geriatric Centres in selected Medical Colleges of the country
  • The Ministry of Railways provides various facilities to senior citizens including separate ticket counters, provision of lower berth to male passengers, concession in rail fare, availability of wheel Chairs etc.
  • Under the Antyodaya Scheme, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families which also include older persons are provided food grains at the rate of 35 kgs. Per family per month. The food grains are issued @ Rs.3/- per kg. for rice and Rs.2/- per kg. for wheat. The persons aged 60 years above from the BPL category were given priority for identification.
  • The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under which Central assistance is given towards pension @ Rs. 200/- per month to persons above 60 years and @ Rs. 500/- per month to persons above 80 years belonging to a household below poverty line, which is meant to be supplemented by at least an equal contribution by the States

National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC)

The Government constituted the “National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC)” by renaming of the “National Council for Older Persons(NCOP)” in February, 2012. Five States are represented on the Council by rotation. Adequate representation is given to non-official members representing Non-Government Organisations, Academic bodies, Media and Experts on Ageing issues from different fields.

The mandate of the National Council of Senior Citizens is to advise the Central and State Governments on the entire gamut of issues related to the welfare of senior citizens and enhancemeant of their quality of life, with special reference to the following:

  • Policies, programmes and legislative measures
  • Promotion of physical and financial security, health and independent and productive living
  • Awareness generation and community mobilization

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