Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, confers the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” to recognize outstanding senior citizens and institutions that render distinguished services to the elderly, especially indigent senior citizens. Among these awards, the “Vayoshreshtha Samman: Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens” is specifically awarded to municipal bodies that have demonstrated exemplary work in supporting senior citizens. The awards are presented on 1st October every year by the Hon’ble President or the Prime Minister of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. In addition to a Certificate and Memento, awardees receive a cash prize along with travel, lodging, and related expenses covered by the Central Government.
Benefits
- Award Package:
- Cash Award: ₹5,00,000
- Memento and Certificate: Awardees receive a citation and a memento as recognition.
- Expense Coverage:
- Boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one companion are covered by the Central Government.
- To-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for one day prior to and after the ceremony are reimbursed.
- TA/DA as per the rate of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India is provided.
Eligibility
For Institutional Nominees
- Target Institutions:
- Municipal Bodies, Cantonment Boards, or other Statutory Urban Local Bodies.
- Criteria for Nomination:
- Must have made exemplary contributions in areas such as health, counselling, legal aid, awareness, and institutional programmes for senior citizens.
- Must have played a significant role in empowering elderly citizens at the village level.
- Should demonstrate outstanding achievements in engaging the community in care for the elderly.
- Should have promoted a barrier-free environment in public buildings within the municipality.
For Nominating Agencies/Individuals
- Eligible Nominators Include:
- Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous organizations.
- State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.
- Past recipients of Padma Awards, Vayoshreshtha Samman, and other national awards.
- Members of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC).
- Renowned apex bodies like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, etc.
- Other authorized entities as designated by the Ministry.
General Criteria
- The awards are open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals irrespective of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.
- Self-nominations are not accepted; nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized person.
Application Process
Online
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Registration:
- Authorized agencies or persons must visit the National Awards Portal.
- On the top right of the homepage, click “Register”.
- Fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and check the “Declaration” boxes.
- Complete the Captcha and click “Submit”. Login credentials will be sent to your registered mobile number.
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Application:
- Log in on the National Awards Portal using your credentials.
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens”, then click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Complete the online application form by filling in all mandatory fields and click “Submit”.
Selection of Awardees
- A Screening Committee, headed by the Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary in the Ministry, scrutinizes and shortlists the nominations.
- The final selection is made by a Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Calendar of Activities
- Invitation for Nominations: 1st November
- Last Date of Receipt of Nominations: 31st January
- Shortlisting by Screening Committee: 28th February
- Final Selection by the Jury: 30th April
- Approval by the Minister: 31st May
- Vetting by IB: 15th August
- Announcement of Awards: 1st September
- Presentation of Awards: 1st October (at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi)
Documents Required
- For Institutional Nominees:
- Certificate of Registration of the institution.
- Proof of Address (for communication purposes).
- Proof of Area of Specialization (Memorandum and Articles of Association, objects, and bye-laws).
- Proof of Parent Organization or Registered Body (certified copy of the registration certificate).
- Details of the Managing Committee and qualifications of its members.
- Details of the NGO or organization operating at regional, state, national, or international level (if applicable).
- Total staff strength.
- Annual Reports for the last 3 years.
- Details of any special or outstanding achievements in the field during the last 5 years.
- Details of awards or honours received (with citations) along with justification.
- A written justification for the nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognize and honor institutions and individuals that have made outstanding contributions in providing services and facilities to senior citizens. - When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred annually on 1st October, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. - What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (exact address available on official government publications). - How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 categories across Institutional and Individual segments. - What is the maximum cash award in the Institutional Category?
The cash award is ₹5,00,000. - Will to-and-fro travelling expenses be reimbursed?
Yes, travelling expenses, along with boarding and lodging for one companion, are reimbursed as per government norms. - Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
Yes, the Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens is one of the categories. - Is there any preference given to educational institutions while conferring the award?
No, the awards are based on the performance and contributions toward senior citizen welfare, regardless of the type of institution. - Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, self-nominations are not considered. - What is the URL of the national awards portal?
Please refer to the official Government of India website for the National Awards Portal. - Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
The application form must be filled in the official language(s) as prescribed by the Ministry. - Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF of the guidelines is available on the official National Awards Portal and related government websites. - Who can become a nominee for this award?
Nominees include municipal bodies, institutions, organizations, and individuals recognized for their contributions to senior citizen welfare. - What are the selection criteria for the award?
Selection is based on outstanding contributions in areas such as health, counselling, legal aid, awareness, institutional programmes, community involvement, and empowerment of senior citizens.