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/organizations that render distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially those who are indigent. The “Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing” award honors institutions that have made significant contributions in research and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of ageing. This award is part of a broader scheme that includes a total of 11 awards across 13 categories, and it is presented on 1st October by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Benefits
- Award Decoration:
Awardees receive a Citation, a Memento, and a Cash Award of ₹5,00,000/-. - Ceremony Benefits:
- The award is presented during a special ceremony on the International Day of Older Persons.
- Boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one companion are borne by the Central Government.
- Reimbursement is provided for to-and-fro travel expenses and accommodation for up to one day before and after the ceremony.
- TA/DA is provided at a rate equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Eligibility
For the Nominee (Institution)
- Institutional Requirements:
- Must be a registered institution or organization.
- Should have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of ageing and related issues.
- Achievements and Contributions:
- Demonstrated remarkable achievements in research, publication, and the dissemination of knowledge related to ageing.
- Proven record of excellence in education, training, and geriatric care.
- Instrumental in developing or formulating policies and programs for senior citizens at either the State or National level.
- Actively engaged in creating awareness through conferences, seminars, workshops, or other initiatives.
- Exhibits participatory leadership in community and civil society regarding ageing issues.
For the Nominating Agencies/Individuals
- 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).
- Renowned apex chambers such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and others.
- Any other category of persons or institutions authorized by the Ministry.
Note:
- The awards are open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals without any discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.
- Self-nominations are not considered; the nominee must be recommended in writing by an authorized individual.
Application Process
Online Registration
- Register:
- Visit the National Awards Portal and click on “Register” at the top right of the homepage.
- Fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a Red Asterisk), check the declaration checkboxes, enter the Captcha code, and click “Submit”.
- You will receive your Login Credentials on your registered mobile number.
- Application Submission:
- Log in using your credentials.
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click on “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Fill in all the mandatory fields in the online application form and click “Submit”.
Documents Required
- Certificate of Registration of the institution.
- Proof of Address for communication.
- Proof of Area of Specialization: Memorandum and Articles of Association that include the institution’s objectives and bye-laws.
- Proof of Parent Organisation or Registered Body: Certified Copy of the Certificate of Registration.
- Details of the Managing Committee: Including qualifications of the members.
- Information on any NGO work: Details if the institution is engaged at regional, state, national, or international levels.
- Total Staff Strength of the institution.
- Annual Reports: For the last three years.
- Special or Outstanding Achievements: Documentation of achievements in the field over the last five years.
- Awards or Honours Received: Attach citations, along with a justification for the award.
- Justification for the Award: A detailed narrative explaining why the institution deserves the award.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the objectives of this scheme?
The scheme aims to honor institutions that have significantly contributed to research, education, and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of ageing. -
When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred on 1st October every year. -
Who confers these awards?
The awards are presented by the Hon’ble President of India or the Prime Minister of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. -
What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
Vigyan Bhawan is located in New Delhi. (For precise details, refer to the official government website.) -
How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 award categories in total. -
What is the maximum cash award in the institutional category?
For the “Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing” category, the cash award is ₹5,00,000/-. -
Will the travel expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, boarding, lodging, and to-and-fro travel expenses (including one companion) are reimbursed by the Central Government. -
Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, self-nominations are not accepted. -
What is the URL of the National Awards Portal?
The National Awards Portal can be accessed via the official Government of India website dedicated to National Awards. -
Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
Please refer to the National Awards Portal for information on available language options. -
Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The guidelines are available for download on the National Awards Portal. -
Who can become a nominee for this award?
Eligible nominees are registered institutions with a proven track record in research and dissemination of knowledge in the field of ageing.