Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, confers the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” to recognize outstanding contributions by both individuals and institutions in the field of elderly care. This particular category honors institutions that have provided exemplary services to senior citizens—especially those who are indigent—and have actively engaged in awareness generation regarding the welfare of the elderly. The awards are presented on 1st October at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, by the Hon’ble President or the Prime Minister of India.
Benefits
- Decoration and Recognition:
Awardees receive a Citation, a Memento, and a cash award of ₹5,00,000. - Additional Perks:
- Boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee (including one companion) are borne by the Central Government.
- To-and-fro travel expenses and accommodation (for one day before and after the ceremony, as applicable) are reimbursed.
- TA/DA for the awardee and one companion is provided at the level of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Eligibility
For the Nominee (Institutional Category)
- Service Provision:
The institution should have a proven record of providing comprehensive services to senior citizens, particularly in rural or hilly areas, focusing on the indigent. - Experience:
Must be a registered body with at least five years of experience in serving the elderly. - Innovation and Impact:
The institution should have undertaken innovative or specialized services and outreach programs that have made a significant impact on the lives of the elderly. - Recognition:
Wide recognition for its work in the field of elderly care is essential.
For Nominating Agencies/Individuals
- Authorized Nominators:
Nominations must be submitted by authorized agencies or persons, including:- 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, or other National Awards.
- Members of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC).
- Recognized apex chambers (e.g., FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM).
- Any other persons/institutions designated by the Ministry.
Note:
- The awards are open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals without discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- An institution or individual awarded under this scheme is ineligible for the next three award cycles.
Application Process
Online Process
- Registration:
- Visit the National Awards Portal.
- Click “Register” at the top right and complete the registration form (all mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk).
- Accept the declarations and submit the form. Login credentials will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- Application Submission:
- Log in to the portal.
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Fill in the online application form with all required details and upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the application.
Selection Process
- A Screening Committee, led by an Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary, scrutinizes the nominations.
- A final Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment approves the awardees.
Calendar of Activities
- Issue of Letter Inviting Nominations: 1st November
- Last Date of Receipt of Nominations: 31st January
- Shortlisting by Screening Committee: 28th February
- Final Selection by Jury: 30th April
- Approval by the Minister: 31st May
- Vetting by IB: 15th August
- Announcement of Awards: 1st September
- Presentation of Awards: 1st October
Documents Required
- Certificate of Registration.
- Proof of Address (for communication purposes).
- Proof of Area of Specialization (e.g., 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 the qualifications of its members.
- Information on any NGO working at regional, state, national, or international levels.
- Total staff strength of the institution.
- Annual reports for the last three years.
- Documentation of any special or outstanding achievements in the field of elderly care over the last five years.
- Details of awards or honors received (with citations) and a justification for the award.
- Comprehensive justification outlining the institution’s contribution to elderly welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognize and encourage institutions that provide exceptional services to senior citizens and create awareness about elderly care issues. -
When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred annually on 1st October, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. -
Who confers these awards?
The awards are presented by the President or the Prime Minister of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. -
How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 categories covering both institutional and individual achievements in the field of elderly care. -
What is the maximum cash award for the institutional category?
The cash award for the institutional category is ₹5,00,000. -
Are travel and other expenses reimbursed?
Yes, boarding and lodging for one companion, to-and-fro travel expenses, and accommodation (if applicable) are reimbursed by the Central Government. -
Can educational institutions nominate themselves?
Self-nominations are not permitted; nominations must be made by authorized agencies or persons. -
Where can I access the application form?
The application form is available on the National Awards Portal. -
Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
The application must be submitted in either Hindi or English. -
Where can I find the complete scheme guidelines in PDF format?
The PDF guidelines are available on the National Awards Portal. -
Who is eligible to be nominated?
Any institution, organization, or individual that has made outstanding contributions to elderly welfare and awareness is eligible, provided they meet the nomination criteria.