Key Points
- JEEVAN app provides welfare services access and support for senior citizens
- SHATAYU dashboard tracks trained geriatric caregivers across India
- Government seeks to develop care services as export opportunity
The Centre on Friday launched two digital platforms for senior citizens — a mobile application to access welfare services and a centralised dashboard tracking trained geriatric caregivers across the country.
Union minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, launched JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment and Virtual Assistance Network) and SHATAYU (Senior Holistic-care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) at a national workshop on care economy held virtually by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
JEEVAN is a mobile app designed to help senior citizens access welfare schemes, information about entitlements and support mechanisms through a single platform.
SHATAYU is a web-based dashboard that will serve as a centralised registry of trained geriatric caregivers, allowing families to find qualified care professionals in their area.
Care Economy as Economic Opportunity
Kumar said the initiatives address changing social structures and the rising need for professional caregivers as traditional family support systems evolve. He emphasised that caregivers must be trained not only in technical skills but also sensitised to be empathetic.
“The development of a robust care ecosystem in the country presents immense opportunities for strengthening women’s empowerment and expanding the export of care services globally,” Kumar said.
The minister framed the care economy as both a domestic necessity and a potential export sector, suggesting India could train caregivers for international markets while meeting growing domestic demand.
Workshop Focuses on Care Workforce
The virtual workshop brought together representatives from central ministries, state governments, domain experts and academics to discuss strengthening India’s care infrastructure.
Sudhansh Pant, secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, said the government aims to develop a responsive, inclusive and sustainable care ecosystem for senior citizens.
Ministers of state B L Verma and Ramdas Athawale also addressed participants, highlighting the government’s commitment to long-term care systems and caregiver support.
Participants were divided into four groups to deliberate on valuing care work as an economic asset, care economy as a pathway to women’s empowerment, strengthening caregiver skills and standards, and financing long-term care.
India’s elderly population is growing rapidly, with projections indicating that those aged 60 and above will constitute nearly 20 per cent of the population by 2050.
The government has identified the care sector as critical infrastructure requiring digital tools and a trained workforce to meet future demand.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the JEEVAN app for senior citizens?
JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment and Virtual Assistance Network) is a mobile application that helps senior citizens access welfare services, information about government schemes and support mechanisms through a single digital platform.
What does the SHATAYU dashboard do?
SHATAYU (Senior Holistic-care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) is a centralised digital platform that maintains information about trained geriatric caregivers across India, helping families find qualified care professionals.
Who launched the JEEVAN app and SHATAYU dashboard?
Virendra Kumar, Union minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, launched both platforms on 22 May 2026 at a national workshop on care economy organised by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Why is the government focusing on the care economy?
The government sees the care sector as addressing changing family structures and rising demand for elderly care, while also creating employment opportunities for women and potential for exporting care services globally.
