Summary of this article
The government runs different schemes for senior citizens ranging from SCSS, NPS, to Ayushman Bharat Yojana to provide financial, healthcare and other services to support them in old age
A senior citizen in India is defined as a person aged 60 years and above. Age is the determining factor when classifying a person as a senior citizen. The term originated in the early 20th century, around the 1930s, when it was used for older adults. However, the age demarcation to call a person a senior varies from country to country and ranges from 58 to 65 years. In India, the government runs various schemes for older adults (senior citizens) across different sectors, considering their age, retirement, financial security, and healthcare. Here, we discuss five key schemes that provide support to senior citizens.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
SCSS was launched in 2004 and provides senior citizens with a guaranteed, regular income. SCSS works like a fixed deposit initially opened for five years and can be renewed in blocks of three years thereafter. The scheme offers fixed interest paid quarterly, and the government reviews the rates quarterly. Only seniors can invest, up to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh, either singly or jointly. The scheme is government-backed, assuring interest payments. Seniors can open accounts at post offices or banks to receive a fixed, regular income.
National Programme For Health Care Of The Elderly (NPHCE)
Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010-11, this programme offers primary and secondary healthcare services at district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres, sub-centres, and wellness centres. Seniors can also visit regional geriatric centres at 17 medical colleges nationwide, as well as national centres of aging at AIIMS, New Delhi, and Madras Medical College, Chennai. The scheme aims to make healthcare affordable and accessible for seniors.
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
The scheme was launched in 2017 for a certain segment of people, including senior citizens, based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011). However, in 2024, the government expanded the scheme to cover all Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their economic status. The scheme offers an annual health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. It also offers other healthcare services, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, promotive, and palliative care through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Healthcare centres). As of July 31, 2024, there were a total of 1,73,881 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
National Pension System (NPS)
Initially launched in 2004 for central government employees, NPS was opened to all citizens aged 18 to 60 in 2009. Later in 2017, the upper age criterion was increased from 60 to 65 years, and further to 70 years in 2021. So, senior citizens who have surplus money and want to invest in NPS can now do so. NPS offers market exposure and different options of annuity, along with the tax advantage of the lump sum withdrawal.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
Launched in 2017 for senior citizens living below the poverty line, this scheme provides free assistive devices such as walking sticks, elbow crutches, hearing aids, dentures, spectacles, and wheelchairs to eligible seniors whose monthly income is not more than Rs 15,000. Seniors in the BPL category may also receive pensions under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) or state-run pension schemes, with most states providing an average monthly pension of around Rs 1000, including the central government’s contribution.
