Government Urges NGOs to Celebrate Senior Citizens on IDOP with Community Activities

The government has instructed NGOs to raise awareness about senior citizens' rights by organizing events for the International Day of Older Persons on October 1. The initiative is part of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, with NGOs receiving funds for activities that honor and engage the elderly.

The government has called on NGOs to elevate awareness about senior citizens' rights through banners and displays as part of its International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) celebrations on October 1. This initiative, within the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), aims to honor senior citizens and promote their social engagement, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment stated.

Each NGO participating in the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSRC) of the AVYAY scheme has received funds to host activities celebrating and involving the elderly, the ministry added.

In a letter to the NGOs, the ministry specified that organizations are required to upload photographs of the events held within ten days. Additionally, a detailed report summarizing the activities, including a financial statement and participant feedback, is mandatory. The ministry assured that the allocated funds of Rs 10,000 per NGO will be reimbursed in the next tranche post-submission.

Suggested activities include cultural events, health camps, and community clubs such as laughter or gardening groups. NGOs are also encouraged to invite senior citizens from nearby neighborhoods to partake in the festivities, reinforcing the community involvement aspect, the letter stated.

Emphasizing transparency, the ministry stressed the importance of detailed documentation of the events. NGOs are expected to maintain records of all activities and their outcomes, which will be evaluated during the reimbursement process. The International Day of Older Persons is commemorated annually on October 1.

(With inputs from agencies.)