Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, confers the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” to honor exemplary senior citizens as well as institutions and organizations that have rendered distinguished services for the welfare of elderly persons, particularly those from economically weaker sections. Among the categories under this prestigious award is the “Best Public Sector Organisation in Promoting the Wellbeing and Welfare of Senior Citizens.” This award recognizes public sector undertakings that have gone beyond their core business activities to serve the community through robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and targeted programmes for retired employees. These efforts are evaluated based on their effective implementation of provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and their overall contribution to creating a supportive environment for senior citizens.
Benefits
- Award Package:
The awardee receives:- A Citation and Memento.
- A cash prize of ₹5,00,000.
- Expense Coverage:
The Central Government bears the boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one companion, along with reimbursing to-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day before and after the ceremony. Additionally, the travel allowances are at par with that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Presentation of the Award
- Ceremony:
The awards are presented on 1st October every year at a special function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. - Presentation:
The award is presented by either the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. - Additional Support:
Awardees receive comprehensive support including travel, boarding, lodging, and daily allowances.
Eligibility
For Institutional Nominees (Public Sector Organisation)
- Target Organisations:
Public sector undertakings that have contributed to senior citizen welfare through initiatives that are distinct from their mainline business operations. - Key Criteria:
- Implementation of the Act:
The organisation should have effectively implemented various provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. This includes notification of the Act, framing of Rules, appointment of Maintenance Officers, and formation of Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals. - Settlement of Maintenance Claims:
A high rate of settlement of maintenance claims is essential. - Infrastructure and Support:
The organisation should have established systems for geriatric healthcare, old age homes, service centres, helplines, or volunteer bureaus. - Community Participation:
Active engagement and participation of local communities in initiatives that benefit senior citizens. - Additional Contributions:
Provision of post-retirement career policies for employees, promotion of healthy and productive ageing, and creating barrier-free environments in public buildings.
- Implementation of the Act:
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 bodies such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, etc.
- Other authorised entities as designated by the Ministry.
Note:
Self-nominations are not accepted; nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorised person.
Application Process
Online
Registration
- Access the Portal:
Authorized agencies or individuals must visit the National Awards Portal. - Register:
- Click “Register” on the top right corner of the homepage.
- Complete the registration form by filling in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and checking the Declaration boxes.
- Enter the Captcha code and click “Submit”. Login credentials will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Application
- Login:
- Click “Login” on the homepage and sign in using your credentials.
- Nomination:
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form and click “Submit”.
Selection Process
- Screening Committee:
A Screening Committee, under the guidance of the Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary in the Ministry, reviews and shortlists the nominations. - Final Selection:
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 (at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi)
Documents Required
- Certificate of Registration of the organisation.
- Proof of Address for communication.
- Proof of Area of Specialisation (Memorandum and Articles of Association, including objects and bye-laws).
- Proof of Parent Organisation or Registered Body (Certified Copy of the Registration Certificate).
- Details of the Managing Committee and their qualifications.
- Details of any NGO or organisation working at regional, state, national, or international levels (if applicable).
- Total staff strength.
- Annual Reports for the last 3 years.
- Documentation of special or outstanding achievements in the field over the past 5 years.
- Details of any awards or honours received (with citations) and a written justification for the nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognise and honor public sector organisations that have significantly contributed to the wellbeing and welfare of senior citizens by implementing effective policies and programmes. - When are these awards conferred?
Awards are conferred annually on 1st October. - Who confers these awards?
The awards are presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. - What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. (Please refer to official government publications for the full address.) - How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 categories covering both institutional and individual segments. - What is the maximum amount of the cash award in the institutional category?
The maximum cash award in the institutional category is ₹5,00,000. - Will the to-and-fro travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, travel, boarding, and lodging expenses are reimbursed as per government norms. - Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
Yes, there are categories for both urban local bodies and other institutions. - While conferring the award, is any preference given to educational institutions?
No, the awards are solely based 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 official language(s) as specified by the Ministry. - 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 organisations that have made outstanding contributions to senior citizen welfare. - What are the selection criteria for the award?
The criteria include effective implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, settlement of maintenance claims, institutional arrangements for elderly care, community involvement, and overall excellence in service delivery.