Delhi organisations seeking grants under the Vayo Anand scheme for senior citizens will now have to submit a recommendation from a local MLA, in addition to meeting the scheme’s existing eligibility conditions, for applications covering 2026-27.
The Delhi government has invited applications from eligible welfare organisations and recreation centres that run programmes for senior citizens. The last date for submission is October 30. Applications will be examined after eligibility checks, inspection and approval by the competent authority.
Under the scheme, eligible organisations receive financial assistance of Rs 2.4 lakh a year, equivalent to Rs 20,000 a month. The grant is intended to support recreational activities, social engagement and community programmes for senior citizens. The Delhi government has allocated Rs 25 crore for the scheme in its 2026-27 budget.
An MLA’s recommendation has been added both as an eligibility criterion and as a mandatory supporting document. Applicant organisations must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, have at least 200 members aged 60 years or above, be located in Delhi and operate from a government or private community facility rather than a residential premises.
Delhi government spokesperson and Moti Nagar MLA Harish Khurana said the recommendation requirement was intended to add another layer of scrutiny. “MLAs are generally familiar with organisations working in their constituencies and the needs of local communities. Their recommendations will serve as an additional check to help ensure that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries and that public funds are used for their intended purpose,” he said.
Khurana added that all MLAs, including opposition legislators, would be able to recommend organisations under the scheme. The requirement therefore places constituency-level certification within the application process before the government evaluates the proposals through its formal inspection and approval mechanism.
The change introduces a political representative into the documentation required for a welfare grant that is otherwise assessed through registration, membership, location and facility-related conditions. For applicant organisations, the immediate requirement is to secure the recommendation and submit it with the application before the October 30 deadline.
The Delhi government has also included MLA recommendations among the requirements under the Delhi Laxmi Yojana, which provides eligible women with Rs 2,500 a month. The two schemes consequently now share an additional constituency-level requirement, although the Vayo Anand scheme is directed at organisations serving senior citizens.
An official said applications for the Vayo Anand scheme must be submitted to the concerned district social welfare office. The process will initially be conducted offline, with applications expected to move to an online portal once it becomes operational. The district offices and the competent authority will therefore remain responsible for receiving, checking and approving applications during the current application cycle.
