Vayo Samman Abhiyan: Intergenerational Solidarity

VAYO SAMMAN ABHIYAN: STRENGTHENING INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar launched the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan in New Delhi under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. The campaign seeks to strengthen bonds between generations and promote dignity, inclusion and welfare of senior citizens.

Vayo Samman Abhiyan: Intergenerational Solidarity

VAYO SAMMAN RASHTRIYA ABHIYAN: KEY FEATURES

  • Nature of Initiative: It is a National Intergenerational Bonding Campaign aimed at bringing senior citizens and younger generations closer through meaningful interaction and collective participation.
  • Nodal Ministry: The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, under the leadership of Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar.
  • Parent Scheme: It operates under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), which focuses on the welfare and empowerment of senior citizens.
  • Core Objective: The initiative seeks to build a society that recognises the experience, wisdom, knowledge and contributions of elderly people.
  • Intergenerational Partnership: It promotes the combination of senior citizens’ experience with the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of younger generations.
  • Grassroots Outreach: The campaign aims to reach every village and mohalla through Panchayats, local bodies and educational institutions.
  • Social Responsibility: It emphasises that ensuring the welfare, dignity and inclusion of elderly people is a shared social commitment, rather than solely a government responsibility.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY SENIOR CITIZENS

  • Growing Elderly Population: India’s population aged 60 years and above is projected to rise from approximately 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036.
  • Changing Family Structures: Urbanisation, migration and changing household arrangements have reduced regular interaction between younger and older generations.
  • Social Isolation: Reduced family interaction can increase loneliness, emotional distress and social exclusion among senior citizens.
  • Limited Awareness: Many elderly people face difficulties accessing information about government welfare schemes and available support services.
  • Cyber Vulnerability: Limited digital awareness and familiarity with online systems can expose senior citizens to cyber fraud and financial exploitation.
  • Social Consequences: Weakening intergenerational relationships can lead to the loss of traditional knowledge, cultural values and emotional support systems.
  • Expected Impact: The campaign can encourage community participation, strengthen family relationships and improve awareness about elderly welfare.

KEY POINTS: ELDERLY WELFARE IN INDIA

●      Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: A Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at improving the quality of life of senior citizens.

●      Constitutional Provision: Article 41 directs the State to provide public assistance in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness and disability, subject to its economic capacity and development.

●      Fundamental Duty: Article 51A(e) promotes harmony and renounces practices derogatory to the dignity of women; broader family and social responsibility also supports elderly inclusion.

●      Legal Protection: The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 provides a legal framework for maintenance and welfare of elderly parents and senior citizens