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. One of the prestigious categories under this award is the “Best State in Implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens.” This award is given to the State or Union Territory that demonstrates exemplary performance in executing the provisions of the Act, achieving a high rate of maintenance claim settlements, and implementing effective security and welfare programmes for senior citizens.
Benefits
- Award Package:
- The awardee receives a Citation, a Memento, and a cash prize.
- Cash Award: ₹5,00,000.
- Expense Coverage:
- Boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one companion are borne by the Central Government.
- To-and-fro travel expenses and accommodation for up to one day before and after the ceremony are reimbursed.
- TA/DA for the awardee and companion is provided equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Presentation of Award
- Ceremony:
The awards are presented on 1st October every year at a special function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. - Presentation:
The awards are presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. - Additional Benefits:
Awardees receive comprehensive support for travel, accommodation, and daily allowances as per government norms.
Eligibility
For Institutional Nominees
- Eligible Entities:
- Municipal Bodies, Cantonment Boards, or other Statutory Urban Local Bodies that have demonstrated outstanding service in providing facilities and services to senior citizens.
- Criteria for Nomination:
- Implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, including proper notification, rule framing, appointment of Maintenance Officers, and establishment of Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals.
- High rate of settlement of maintenance claims.
- Regular meetings of a State Council for Senior Citizens.
- Execution of a comprehensive action plan to protect the life and property of senior citizens.
- Institutional arrangements for medical support and geriatric healthcare.
- A robust network of old age homes, service centres, helplines, or volunteer bureaus.
- Engagement of the community in promoting elderly care.
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 chambers such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, etc.
- Other persons or institutions authorized by the Ministry.
General Requirements
- Non-Discrimination:
The awards are open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals without discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed. - Recommendation:
Nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized person; self-nominations are not accepted.
Application Process
Online
Registration
- Visit the National Awards Portal:
- On the top right of the homepage, click “Register”.
- Fill Registration Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk), check the declaration boxes, fill in the Captcha Code, and click “Submit”.
- Receive Credentials:
- Login credentials will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Application
- Login to the Portal:
- Click “Login” on the homepage and enter your credentials.
- Nominate or Apply:
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form and click “Submit”.
Selection of Awardees
- A Screening Committee, led by the Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary, will scrutinize and shortlist 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
- Certificate of Registration.
- Proof of Address for communication.
- Proof of Area of Specialization (Memorandum and Articles of Association containing objects and bye-laws).
- Proof of Parent Organisation or Registered Body (Certified Copy of the Certificate of Registration).
- Details of the Managing Committee and qualifications of its members.
- Details regarding any NGO operating at regional, state, national, or international levels (if applicable).
- Total staff strength of the institution.
- Annual Reports for the last 3 years.
- Documentation of any special or outstanding achievements in the field over the past 5 years.
- Details of any awards or honours received (with citations) and a justification for the nomination.
- A written justification for the award nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognize and honor entities and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare of senior citizens, particularly in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. - When are these awards conferred?
Awards are conferred annually on 1st October. - Who confers these awards?
The awards are conferred by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. - What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. (Refer to official government publications for the complete address.) - How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 categories covering both institutional and individual segments. - What is the maximum cash award in the Institutional Category?
The cash award is ₹5,00,000. - Will the to-and-fro travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, to-and-fro travel expenses and boarding and lodging for the awardee and one companion are reimbursed. - Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
Yes, there is a category for Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens. - While conferring the award, is any preference given to educational institutions?
No, the awards are based solely on contributions to senior citizen welfare. - Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, self-nominations are not accepted. - What is the URL of the National Awards Portal?
Please refer to the official Government of India website for the National Awards Portal URL. - Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
The application form must be filled in the prescribed language(s) as per the Ministry’s guidelines. - Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF of the guidelines is available on the National Awards Portal and related government websites. - Who can become a nominee for this award?
Nominees include State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, municipal bodies, and other institutions that have made outstanding contributions to senior citizen welfare. - What are the selection criteria for the award?
Criteria include effective implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, high settlement rates of maintenance claims, institutional arrangements for elderly care, community involvement, and overall excellence in providing services and facilities to senior citizens.