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 toward the welfare of the elderly. Among the various categories, the “Best District Panchayat in Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens” award specifically honors district-level bodies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment in ensuring dignified and effective support for senior citizens, particularly those who are indigent. The awards are presented on 1st October by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons.
Benefits
- Recognition & Decoration: Awardees receive a prestigious Citation, a Memento, and a cash prize of ₹10,00,000.
- Incentives for Excellence: The awards motivate both institutions and individuals to enhance services and support systems for senior citizens.
- National Prestige: The awards are presented at a high-profile ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, either by the President or the Prime Minister.
- Travel and Accommodation: The Central Government covers the boarding, lodging, and travel expenses for the awardees and one accompanying companion.
Eligibility
For the Nominee (District Panchayats)
- Outstanding Service: Must have demonstrated exemplary contributions in areas such as health, counselling, legal aid, awareness, and institutional or non-institutional programs for the elderly.
- Community Empowerment: Must play a significant role in empowering elder citizens at the village level.
- Public Infrastructure: Should have actively promoted a barrier-free environment in public buildings within the Panchayat area.
For the Nominating Agencies/Individuals
- Authorized Nominators: Only agencies or individuals authorized by the Ministry—such as Government Ministries/Departments, State Governments, past recipients of national awards, members of the National Council of Senior Citizens, and apex chambers like FICCI, CII, and ASSOCHAM—can nominate candidates.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
Application Process
Online Registration and Nomination
- Registration:
- Visit the National Awards Portal. Click “Register” at the top right of the homepage.
- Complete the registration by filling in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and checking the declaration boxes.
- Submit the form and receive your login credentials on your registered mobile number.
- Nomination/Application:
- Log in to the portal using your credentials.
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Fill in the online nomination form with all mandatory details and upload required documents.
- Tick the declaration confirming the accuracy of the provided information, then submit the nomination.
- Selection Process:
- A Screening Committee under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will scrutinize and shortlist the nominations.
- The final selection is made by a Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Calendar of Activities
- Issue of Invitation for Nominations: 1st November
- Last Date for 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
Documents Required
- Certificate of Registration of the nominating institution/organization.
- 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.
- NGO Details: Information on the NGO working at the regional, state, national, or international level including total staff strength.
- Annual Reports: Reports for the last 3 years.
- Special or Outstanding Achievements: Evidence of achievements in the field over the last 5 years.
- Details of Awards or Honors Received: Attach citations and provide justification for the award.
- Justification for the Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the objectives of this scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to honor distinguished senior citizens and institutions that render exemplary service for the welfare of the elderly, particularly the indigent, and to promote excellence in services at the district level.
Q2: When are these awards conferred?
A2: The awards are conferred on 1st October every year during a special ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Q3: Who confers these awards?
A3: The awards are presented by the Hon’ble President of India, or the Prime Minister of India in their absence.
Q4: What is the maximum cash award in the institutional category?
A4: The cash award for institutional categories is ₹10,00,000 along with a certificate and memento.
Q5: Will the to-and-fro travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
A5: Yes, the Central Government arranges and reimburses the travel and accommodation expenses for awardees and one companion.
Q6: Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
A6: Yes, awards are also given to the Best Urban Local Body in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens.
Q7: Can I nominate myself for this award?
A7: No, self-nominations are not accepted. Nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized person or agency.
Q8: What is the URL of the National Awards Portal?
A8: The URL is provided on the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q9: Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
A9: The guidelines specify the format; typically, the form must be filled in English or as directed in the guidelines.
Q10: Who can become a nominee for this award?
A10: Nominees include Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals who have significantly contributed to the welfare of senior citizens, without any discrimination based on religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.