Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, confers the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” to eminent senior citizens and institutions/organizations rendering distinguished service for elderly persons, especially those who are indigent. The awards are presented on 1st October by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The “Best Private Sector Organisation in Promoting the Wellbeing and Welfare of Senior Citizens” award is specifically given to corporate houses that, apart from their core business operations, address issues faced by the elderly. These organizations may provide gainful employment, leverage the skills and experience of senior citizens for societal benefit, develop infrastructure in geriatric medical care, or implement similar initiatives to benefit senior citizens as a community.
Benefits
- Award Decoration:
The awardee receives a Citation and a Memento. - Ceremony and Reimbursements:
- The award is presented during a special ceremony held on the International Day of Older Persons (1st October) in New Delhi.
- Boarding, lodging, and to-and-fro travel expenses (including for one companion) are reimbursed by the Central Government, with TA/DA at a rate equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Eligibility
For the Nominee (Private Sector Organisation)
- Must have significantly contributed to the welfare of senior citizens.
- The organization’s initiatives should address elderly issues by:
- Providing gainful employment opportunities.
- Utilizing the skills and experience of senior citizens for societal benefit.
- Creating or enhancing infrastructure in geriatric medical care.
- Making arrangements for the care of former (superannuated) employees.
- Ensuring a barrier-free work environment for senior citizens.
For Nominating Agencies/Individuals
- Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous bodies.
- 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, National Association of Software and Service Companies, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Any other persons or institutions authorized by the Ministry.
Note:
- The awards are open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals irrespective of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.
- Nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized individual; self-nominations are not permitted.
Application Process
Online Registration
- Register:
- Visit the National Awards Portal and click “Register” at the top right.
- Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk), check the declaration boxes, fill in the Captcha code, and click “Submit”.
- Login credentials will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- Application Submission:
- Log in to the National Awards Portal using the provided credentials.
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form and click “Submit”.
Documents Required
- Certificate of Registration.
- Proof of Address (for communication purposes).
- Proof of Area of Specialization (e.g., Memorandum and Articles of Association detailing the objects and bye-laws).
- Proof of Parent Organisation or Registered Body (a certified copy of the Certificate of Registration).
- Details of the Managing Committee along with the qualifications of its members.
- Information on any NGO working at Regional/State/National/International levels, if applicable.
- Total staff strength of the organization.
- Annual Reports for the last three years.
- Documentation of special or outstanding achievements in the relevant field over the past five years.
- Details of any awards or honours received (with citations), along with a justification for the award.
- A comprehensive justification outlining why the organization deserves the award.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognize and honor private sector organizations that have significantly contributed to the wellbeing and welfare of senior citizens through innovative and dedicated initiatives. -
When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred on 1st October each 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 address details, please refer to the official government website. -
How many categories are there in this award?
There are a total of 13 award categories, covering both institutional and individual recognitions. -
What is the maximum cash award in the institutional category?
For this specific category, the award includes a Citation and a Memento. (Cash awards may be applicable to other categories as per the overall scheme guidelines.) -
Will the to-and-fro travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, the boarding, lodging, and travel expenses (including for one companion) are fully reimbursed by the Central Government. -
Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, self-nominations are not accepted. Nominees must be recommended by an authorized person or agency. -
Where can I find the National Awards Portal?
The National Awards Portal is accessible through the official Government of India website dedicated to National Awards. -
Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
Please refer to the guidelines on the National Awards Portal for available language options. -
Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF guidelines are available for download on the National Awards Portal. -
Who can become a nominee for this award?
Eligible nominees include private sector organizations that have demonstrated a significant commitment to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of senior citizens through initiatives separate from their core business operations.