DoSJE and DGDE Announce MoU to Extend Senior Citizen Welfare Schemes to Cantonment Boards

Why in the News?

On **November 14, 2026**, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (**DoSJE**) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (**MoU**) with the Directorate General Defence Estates (**DGDE**, Ministry of Defence) to implement senior citizen welfare schemes in Cantonment Boards across the nation.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Core Objective:

- Establishes a framework for cooperation and convergence to extend senior citizen welfare initiatives under the **Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY)** to all Cantonment Boards in India.

- Event & Leadership:

- The formal signing ceremony (scheduled for Nov 16, 2026) takes place in the presence of Union Raksha Mantri **Shri Rajnath Singh** and Union Minister **Dr. Virendra Kumar**.

- Infrastructure & Initiatives:

- **Senior Citizen Homes & Day Care Centres:** Setting up new Day Care Centres and supporting 25/50-bed Senior Citizen Homes in Cantonment Board jurisdictions.

- **Geriatric Caregiver Training:** Skill training for youth as geriatric caregivers to create a trained workforce and new employment avenues.

- **Intergenerational Bonding:** School students in Cantonment Board schools will take pledges to respect senior citizens, carrying forward the **'Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan'** launched on Nov 4, 2026.

- Demographic Projection:

- India's population aged 60 and above is projected to grow from ~10 crore in 2011 to **23 crore by 2036**.

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Static GK Facts:

- Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY):

- Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment**.

- Serves as the flagship umbrella scheme for elderly care in India.

- National Helpline for Senior Citizens (**Elderline**): **14567**.

- Union Minister of Defence: **Shri Rajnath Singh**.

- Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment: **Dr. Virendra Kumar**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which department under the Ministry of Defence partnered with DoSJE on November 14, 2026, to implement AVYAY in Cantonment Boards?

A: Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE)

Q: What is the national helpline number for Senior Citizens (Elderline) in India?

A: 14567

Q: What is the projected population of senior citizens (aged 60+) in India by the year 2036?

A: Approximately 23 Crore

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