The elderly population in India is growing rapidly. Considering the scenario, Social Justice Department under Government of Kerala has introduced various key initiatives giving prime focus on welfare, care and protection of Senior citizens in the State. It is also very important to remember that social security to the senior citizens is not charity instead it is their basic human right.

Senior citizens face different types of problems in the society like discrimination, exploitation, neglect and become victims of abuse. They are also subjected to socio-economic, physical and emotional distress. Being the most vulnerable group of population they need special care and attention during emergency situations. The Department of Social Justice has  formulated a comprehensive project “Vayoraksha” for addressing the grievances and issues faced by the Senior Citizens during crisis.

Aims & Objectives

a) The key objective of the scheme is to provide assistance and support to the needy elderly population during crisis.

b) Provide emergency medical aid to the destitute and downtrodden elderly persons.

c) Ensure availability of care givers for bedridden senior citizens.

d) Provide rehabilitation for those who are in need of care and protection.

e) Deliver legal aid for senior citizens.

f) Create a comfortable environment for senior citizens while ensuring their physical and mental well-being.

Fund Utilization

1) Senior Citizens belonging to BPL category will be covered under this scheme.

2) The scheme fund can be used to cater the special needs of Senior Citizens during medical emergencies, surgeries, COVID-19 treatment, Rehabilitation, Ambulance assistance, service of care givers, and purchase of assistive devices.   

3) The fund can be utilized for medical examination, rehabilitation and institutionalization of destitute, wandering and bereaved senior citizens.

4) It can also be used for providing emergency medical assistance and food for senior citizens who are victims of natural calamities.

5) Providing emergency medical aid for Senior citizens who became victims of abuse, accidents and life-threatening burns.

6) In case of a danger to life or property of a senior citizen, the fund can used to take suitable remedial measures for ensuring care and protection.

7) The service of private hospitals can be utilized for administering first aid treatments. But in case of expert medical treatment is required, service can be sought from Government hospital.  

Monitoring Committee

District Social Justice Officer will have the financial power to utilize funds not exceeding Rs. 25,000/-. Prior approval of monitoring committee has to be taken to utilize funds upto 2 lakh. For amount exceeding 2 lakhs, prior sanction has to be taken directly from State Government.