As per 2011 Census, total number of Senior Citizens in the country is 10.38 Crore. Data on total number of senior citizens suffering from age related disabilities and living below poverty line are not maintained in this Ministry. However before distribution of assisted devices assessment is done regarding senior citizens who suffer from age related disabiliteis/ infirmities. The Ministry is implementing a Central Sector Scheme namely Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) under which free of cost assistive devices are provided to those senior citizens who suffer from age related disabilities/infirmities, and belong to BPL category. Since 2020-21 senior citizens who have a monthly income upto Rs. 15,000/- can also avail the benefit.
RVY is implemented across the country. There is no regional focus for RVY.
A total 11 Camps (08 distribution camps and 03 Assessment Camps) have been organised in Bihar since 2019 under RVY scheme and physical aids and assisted devices have been distributed free of cost to 2638 senior citizens.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.