DoSJE and DGDE Sign MoU for Senior Citizen Welfare in Cantonments

Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE) in New Delhi on November 16, 2026. This strategic partnership brings central senior citizen welfare schemes directly into Cantonment Boards across India.

By joining forces, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Defence aim to promote healthy, active, and dignified ageing. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar will attend the signing ceremony, alongside Social Justice Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGDE Director General Shobha Gupta.

Whole-of-Government Approach to Elderly Care

The MoU establishes a structured framework to implement the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) across Cantonment areas. Under this arrangement, DGDE contributes its established administrative network and community infrastructure, while DoSJE supplies financial grants, scheme frameworks, and technical expertise.

Joint Secretary Sajeesh Kumar N highlighted the agreement as a model "Whole-of-Government" approach. Combining local Cantonment infrastructure with dedicated central funding allows authorities to deliver essential care services directly to elderly residents.

Senior Citizen Homes and Community Day Care Centres

India’s demographic shift makes community-based elderly care urgent. Citizens aged 60 and above are projected to grow from 10 crore in 2011 to nearly 23 crore by 2036. Changing family structures and rapid urbanization require stronger local support systems.

To meet this demand, the DoSJE–DGDE partnership focuses on two key infrastructure pillars:

• Senior Citizen Homes: Providing financial backing to establish residential facilities with 25-bed or 50-bed capacities wherever feasible.
• Day Care Centres: Setting up new community Day Care Centres under AVYAY and upgrading existing facilities so seniors can access healthcare, recreation, and social interaction near their homes.

Youth Skill Training and Intergenerational Bonding

Beyond physical infrastructure, the MoU invests in skilled human resources and social inclusion:

1. Geriatric Caregiver Training: DoSJE will partner with certified training institutes to train young people as professional geriatric caregivers. This builds a reliable elderly-care workforce while creating fresh employment opportunities for youth.
2. Public Awareness Camps: Both agencies will collaborate with local representatives and social workers to host awareness drives on central welfare entitlements.
3. Intergenerational School Activities: Building on the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan launched on November 4, 2026, Cantonment Board schools will administer student pledges and organize interactive programs that connect youth with older generations.

Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY): Core Components

Serving as DoSJE’s flagship umbrella scheme for senior citizens, AVYAY empowers older adults to live self-reliant and secure lives through several targeted programs:

• Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Funds grassroots initiatives that enhance the daily quality of life for older adults.
• Senior Citizen Homes: Delivers safe residential accommodation, nutrition, and medical care.
• Geriatric Caregiver Training: Equips young workers with specialized caregiving skills.
• Elderline (14567): Operates the toll-free National Helpline for Senior Citizens.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Provides free physical aids and assisted-living devices to eligible seniors.

Partnership Snapshot: DoSJE and DGDE MoU