The Honour A Home Scheme, launched by the Department of Senior Citizens, Government of Keralam, on 1 October 2026, connects Sayamprabha Homes and government-run old-age homes with students and youth groups. The programme encourages regular visits, companionship and interaction between generations. Interested institutions can participate by contacting their District Social Justice Office.
Keralam Honour A Home Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Honour A Home Scheme |
| Launched On | 1 October 2026 (International Day of Older Persons) |
| Launched By | Chief Minister V D Satheesan |
| Department | Department of Senior Citizens |
| Part Of | 100-day action programme of the State Government |
| Objective | To strengthen bonds and encourage the exchange of ideas between senior citizens and young people |
| Senior Citizens Covered | Members of Sayamprabha Homes and residents of government-run old-age homes |
| Youth Partners | Schools, colleges, NSS, NCC, SPC, Scouts and Guides, and youth clubs |
| Type of Support | Companionship, social interaction and activities (no cash benefit) |
| Launch Venue | Model Sayamprabha Home, Kunnukkara, Ernakulam |
| How to Join | Contact the District Social Justice Office and a nearby home |
| Official Updates | Official Honour A Home Scheme Updates |
Introduction of Honour A Home Scheme: A Brief Insight
Keralam has one of the oldest populations in India. Many senior citizens living in day-care centres and old-age homes miss the warmth of family life and regular interaction with younger people. To bridge this gap, the Government of Keralam launched the Honour A Home Scheme.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the scheme online on 1 October 2026, on the International Day of Older Persons, as part of the Government’s 100-day action programme. The Department of Senior Citizens, Government of Keralam, implements the initiative. It is India’s first dedicated state department for elderly welfare. The scheme aims to encourage friendship, exchange of ideas and a stronger bond between senior citizens and the younger generation.
Under the scheme, students and youth groups regularly visit Sayamprabha Homes and government-run old-age homes. They talk with senior citizens, listen to their life experiences and organise cultural programmes and celebrations. These interactions help reduce loneliness and make elderly residents feel valued and included.
Members of Sayamprabha Homes and residents of government-run old-age homes are the intended beneficiaries. Schools, colleges, NSS and NCC units, Student Police Cadet units, Scouts and Guides, and youth clubs can participate by building long-term partnerships with nearby homes.
The scheme does not have an online application process. Interested institutions can contact their District Social Justice Office and the nearest home to discuss participation and plan regular visits and activities.
Senior citizens from economically weaker households can also receive monthly financial assistance under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. Other recent initiatives of the State include the SAFE Scheme, which helps Scheduled Caste families complete or repair their homes, and the She Scooter Scheme, which supports women fish vendors with electric scooters.
Senior citizens, students and others looking for welfare programmes offered by the Keralam Government can explore the available initiatives on our Keralam Government Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Keralam Government’s Honour A Home Scheme focuses on emotional well-being, companionship and stronger relationships between generations rather than financial assistance. Through regular interactions with young people, senior citizens living in Sayamprabha Homes and old-age homes can feel more connected, respected and included in society.
Benefits for Senior Citizens
- Regular companionship to help reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation
- Opportunities to share life experiences, personal stories and valuable lessons with younger people
- Participation in cultural programmes, songs, celebrations and recreational activities organised by students
- A stronger sense of being valued and respected by the community
- Improved emotional well-being through regular social interaction and meaningful relationships
Benefits for Students and Youth
- Developing empathy, patience and respect for senior citizens
- Understanding that ageing and elder care are a shared social responsibility
- Opportunities to participate in meaningful community service through NSS, NCC, SPC, Scouts and Guides
- Learning valuable life lessons, traditions and experiences directly from senior citizens
Benefits for Society
- Stronger relationships between generations that connect traditional values with modern life
- Greater community involvement in care homes and the lives of their residents
- A practical response to Keralam’s ageing population, where about 22.8% of people are expected to be above 60 by 2036
A Glimpse From the Launch
During the launch, 30 NSS students from PPTM Arts and Science College, Cherur, visited the Vengara Model Sayamprabha Home in Malappuram. The students presented cultural programmes, interacted with the members and listened to their life stories. More than 100 Sayamprabha members also joined the inauguration online.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Honour A Home Scheme of the Keralam Govconnects senior citizens living in care facilities with young people from nearby educational institutions and youth groups. Senior citizens benefit from regular companionship, while participating institutions help students develop respect and care for the elderly.
Senior Citizens Who Benefit
- Members of Sayamprabha Homes, the day-care centres for senior citizens run in collaboration with local bodies
- Residents of government-run old-age homes in Keralam
- Elderly people who experience loneliness or have limited contact with their families and may benefit from regular interaction
Institutions and Groups That Can Participate
- Schools located near a Sayamprabha Home or government-run old-age home
- Colleges and universities, including arts, science and professional institutions
- National Service Scheme (NSS) units
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) units
- Student Police Cadet (SPC) units
- Scouts and Guides units
- Registered youth clubs and local voluntary groups
What Participating Institutions Are Expected to Do
- Maintain a long-term partnership with the selected home instead of limiting participation to a single visit
- Arrange regular visits and activities in coordination with the home’s staff
- Appoint a teacher or coordinator to guide and supervise student volunteers
- Respect elderly residents and follow the rules and instructions of the home
Documents Required to be Attached
The Honour A Home Scheme does not require individuals to submit applications or receive cash benefits. Instead, it encourages partnerships between Sayamprabha Homes or government old-age homes and nearby schools, colleges, and youth groups. Institutions interested in joining the programme may need to keep certain basic records ready to coordinate with the concerned department and the selected home.
For Schools and Colleges
- A letter of interest from the head of the institution confirming its willingness to partner with a nearby home
- Name and contact details of the nodal teacher or coordinator, such as the NSS Programme Officer
- A list of students or volunteers participating in visits and activities
- A proposed schedule of visits and an outline of planned activities
For NSS, NCC, SPC, Scouts and Guides Units
- Unit registration details and the name of the unit in-charge
- A list of participating volunteers with their contact details
- Parent or guardian consent for school students, wherever required
For Youth Clubs and Voluntary Groups
- Registration details of the club or organisation
- Name and contact details of the designated coordinator
- Details of members who will participate in visits to the home
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The Honour A Home Scheme does not require senior citizens or participating institutions to fill out an online application form. Instead, schools, colleges and youth groups can take part by partnering with a nearby Sayamprabha Home or government-run old-age home. As detailed guidelines are yet to be published, institutions can use the following steps as a practical guide based on the scheme’s launch and proposed activities.
Steps for Schools, Colleges and Youth Groups
Step 1: Identify the nearest Sayamprabha Home or government-run old-age home. You can contact your gram panchayat or municipal office for help locating a suitable home.
Step 2: Contact your district’s District Social Justice Office and express your institution’s interest in participating in the Honour A Home Scheme. Ask about the current procedure and any instructions issued by the department.
Step 3: Appoint a teacher or coordinator to manage the programme. For example, a school or college can assign this responsibility to its NSS Programme Officer, NCC officer or another designated teacher.
Step 4: Coordinate with the selected home’s staff to discuss how the partnership will work. Agree on suitable visiting hours, the frequency of visits and activities that match the residents’ interests and daily routine.
Step 5: Prepare students and volunteers before their first visit. Explain the importance of speaking politely, listening patiently, respecting personal boundaries and following the home’s rules.
Step 6: Begin regular visits and encourage meaningful interaction. Students can talk with senior citizens, listen to their experiences, organise cultural programmes and celebrate special occasions together.
Step 7: Maintain a simple record of visits and activities. Share feedback with the home’s staff and the District Social Justice Office whenever required, and use it to improve future visits.
How Senior Citizens Are Included
Step 1: Senior citizens living in Sayamprabha Homes and residents of government-run old-age homes are the intended beneficiaries of the programme. They do not need to submit individual applications to participate.
Step 2: The home’s staff coordinates with the partner school, college or youth group to arrange visits and activities at mutually convenient times.
Step 3: Senior citizens can participate in conversations, cultural programmes and other activities according to their comfort and interests. They can share their experiences with students without feeling pressured to take part in every activity.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Launch of Honour A Home Scheme at Kunnukkara, PRD Kerala
- Honour A Home inauguration at Vengara Sayamprabha Home, PRD Kerala
- Government of Keralam official portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Nodal Department: Department of Senior Citizens, Government of Keralam, Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram
- District Level: District Social Justice Office of your district
- Local Level: Gram Panchayat or Municipality office, for details of the nearest Sayamprabha Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The Honour A Home Scheme is a Government of Keralam initiative that connects senior citizens living in Sayamprabha Homes and government-run old-age homes with students and youth. It aims to build friendships and encourage regular interaction between generations.
Ans. Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the scheme online on 1 October 2026, marking the International Day of Older Persons.
Ans. The Department of Senior Citizens, Government of Keralam, implements the scheme with support from District Social Justice Offices.
Ans. The scheme aims to encourage interaction and the exchange of ideas between senior citizens and younger people while helping reduce loneliness among the elderly.
Ans. The launch took place at the Model Sayamprabha Home in Kunnukkara Gram Panchayat, Ernakulam. The main state-level event was held at Mahatma Ayyankali Hall in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ans. Schools, colleges, NSS and NCC units, Student Police Cadet units, Scouts and Guides, and youth clubs can participate in the programme.
Ans. No. Senior citizens living in Sayamprabha Homes and government-run old-age homes do not need to submit individual applications. Their homes coordinate participation in the programme.
Ans. No. The scheme does not provide cash benefits. It focuses on companionship, social interaction and meaningful relationships between senior citizens and young people.
Ans. Students visit senior citizens, listen to their life experiences, spend time with them and organise cultural programmes, celebrations and other recreational activities.
Ans. No. The scheme aims to establish long-term partnerships between care homes and nearby educational institutions or youth groups, with regular visits and activities.
Ans. A school or college can contact its District Social Justice Office and a nearby Sayamprabha Home or government-run old-age home to discuss participation and arrange a partnership.
Ans. Keralam has an ageing population, with about 22.8% of its population expected to be above 60 by 2036. The scheme encourages community participation in elder care and helps strengthen relationships between generations.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.