Overview
On May 22, 2026, Union Minister Virendra Kumar will launch two major digital platforms for eldercare in India. The JEEVAN mobile app is for senior citizens. The SHATAYU dashboard is for geriatric caregivers. The launch will happen during a virtual program themed “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy.” This initiative aims to improve care services through technology, policy support, and community participation.
Latest News: Government Launches Eldercare Platforms
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is introducing two digital platforms focused on senior citizen welfare. The first is the JEEVAN mobile application for senior citizens. The second is the SHATAYU dashboard for geriatric caregiver information. The launch is scheduled for May 22, 2026, through a virtual program. The theme of the program is “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy.” This reflects the government’s growing focus on senior citizen welfare and care infrastructure.
What Is the JEEVAN App?
The JEEVAN app is being launched specifically for senior citizens. It will improve access to support systems, services, and information related to elderly care. The full operational details will be released during the official launch. However, the app is positioned as a technology-driven support platform. Its goal is to enhance convenience and accessibility for older citizens. The broader aim is to help integrate senior citizens into a more connected care ecosystem. In simple words, JEEVAN will be a one-stop digital helper for India’s elderly population.
What Is the SHATAYU Dashboard?
The SHATAYU dashboard is designed for geriatric caregivers. These are the people who look after the elderly – family members, professional nurses, or care home staff. SHATAYU will serve as an information platform focused on elderly care services, caregiving support, and related ecosystem data. The dashboard aims to improve coordination, awareness, and resource access for professionals and stakeholders involved in senior care. This move recognises the growing importance of organised caregiving in India.
Focus on India’s Care Economy
The virtual program accompanying the launch will focus on building a stronger care economy. What is a care economy? It includes all services related to looking after people. These are:
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Childcare
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Eldercare
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Disability support
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Health-related home care
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Domestic care services
The care economy includes both unpaid household caregiving (like a family member caring for an elderly parent) and formal paid care services (like a professional nurse or a care home). India has traditionally relied on family-based care. But with changing lifestyles, the demand for formal care services is rising.
Why This Matters for India
India is witnessing a steady rise in its senior citizen population. This creates a growing demand for structured care services, caregiver training, and accessible support systems. The JEEVAN and SHATAYU initiatives aim to address these emerging needs through digital intervention.
This move is expected to improve several things:
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Senior citizen support access: Elderly people can easily find services and information.
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Caregiver coordination: Caregivers can connect with each other and share resources.
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Technology-enabled care delivery: Digital tools make care faster and more reliable.
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Policy implementation efficiency: The government can track and improve care programmes.
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Community participation in care services: Local groups can get involved more easily.
In simple words, these platforms will help India prepare for an ageing population.
Best Practices from Karnataka and Kerala
As part of the program, two southern states will present their best practices from the care economy sector. These states are Karnataka and Kerala. Both have developed notable social welfare and healthcare delivery frameworks. They are useful case studies for wider policy discussions. Their presentations are expected to support practical policy recommendations for other states to follow.
Who Will Attend the Program?
The virtual program will be attended by a wide range of participants. These include:
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Central government ministries
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State and Union Territory representatives
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Academia (universities and research institutions)
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Care sector experts
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Policy stakeholders
The discussions will focus on implementation gaps, emerging challenges, policy priorities, and actionable solutions. This shows that the government is taking a collaborative approach to eldercare.
A Human Touch: Why Eldercare Matters
Behind every number is a real person. An elderly person may live alone after their children move away for work. A family caregiver may feel tired and stressed without any support. A professional caregiver may need better training and resources. The JEEVAN app and SHATAYU dashboard are not just about technology. They are about making life better for millions of senior citizens and the people who care for them. India has a strong tradition of respecting elders. These digital tools will help carry that tradition into the modern age.
Exam-Focused Points
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Launch date: May 22, 2026
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Launched by: Union Minister Virendra Kumar (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)
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Two platforms: JEEVAN mobile app (for senior citizens); SHATAYU dashboard (for geriatric caregivers)
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Program theme: “Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy”
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JEEVAN app purpose: Improve access to support systems, services, and information for elderly care
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SHATAYU dashboard purpose: Information platform for elderly care services and caregiver coordination
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Care economy includes: Childcare, eldercare, disability support, health-related home care, domestic care services
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Care economy includes both: Unpaid household caregiving and formal paid care services
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Why needed: India’s senior citizen population is rising steadily
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Expected benefits: Better senior support, caregiver coordination, tech-enabled care, policy efficiency, community participation
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Best practices from: Karnataka and Kerala
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Attendees: Central ministries, state/UT