Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, confers the National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman) to honor eminent and outstanding senior citizens as well as institutions and organizations that render distinguished service for the welfare of the elderly, particularly indigent senior citizens. The prestigious Centenarian Award is presented to renowned individuals over ninety years of age who remain physically active, independent, and continue contributing to society. A total of 11 awards are conferred across 13 categories along with a Certificate, Memento, and a Cash Award.
Award Categories
Institutional Category
- Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing
- Best Institution for Providing Services to Senior Citizens and Awareness Generation
- Best District Panchayat in Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best State in Implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best Private Sector Organisation in Promoting the Well-Being and Welfare of Senior Citizens
- Best Public Sector Organisation in Promoting the Well-Being and Welfare of Senior Citizens
Individual Category
- Centenarian
- Iconic Mother
- Lifetime Achievement
- Creative Art
- Sports and Adventure (one each for Male and Female)
- Courage & Bravery (one each for Male and Female)
Benefits
- Decoration: Awardees receive a Citation, Memento, and a Cash Award of ₹2,50,000.
- Total Awardees: 15 individuals/institutions are recognized annually.
- Presentation Ceremony:
- Held on 1st October every year at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons.
- The Awards are presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India.
- The Central Government bears boarding, lodging, and to-and-fro travel expenses for awardees (including one companion), with TA/DA equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Eligibility
For the Nominee
- Age: Must be above 90 years.
- Active Contribution: The nominee should be physically active, independent, and continuously contributing to society.
- Service: Should have rendered exemplary services for community betterment, fought against social evils, or contributed to the nation’s freedom, with ongoing commitment towards the welfare of the elderly or marginalized sections.
- Recognition: Contributions should be widely acknowledged by society, with participation on various state and national platforms.
For the Nominating Agencies/Individuals
- Government Ministries/Departments 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 Chambers such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and others.
- Any other authorized category as designated by the Ministry.
Note:
- The awards are open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals without discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.
- Nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized person; self-nominations are not considered.
Application Process
Online Registration
- Registration:
- Authorized agencies or persons should visit the National Awards Portal.
- Click “Register” at the top right of the homepage, fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk), check the declaration boxes, complete the Captcha, and click “Submit”.
- Login credentials will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- Application Submission:
- On the homepage, click “Login” using the received credentials.
- Select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” from the list of awards, then click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Complete the online application form with all mandatory fields and click “Submit”.
Selection Process
- A Screening Committee under the Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary of the Ministry will scrutinize and shortlist nominations.
- The final selection is made by a Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Calendar of Activities
- 1st November: Issue of Letter Inviting Nominations
- 31st January: Last Date for Receipt of Nominations
- 28th February: Shortlisting of Nominations by the Screening Committee
- 30th April: Final Selection by the Jury
- 31st May: Approval by the Minister
- 15th August: Vetting by IB
- 1st September: Announcement of the Awards
- 1st October: Presentation of the Awards
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Recent Photograph
- Bio-data
- Proof of Age
- Proof of Address
- Proof of Educational Qualification (Passing Certificate, Marksheet)
- Proof of Professional Experience
- Details of work done in the last three years in the relevant field
- Details of Awards and Honours Received
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognize and honor senior citizens and institutions that contribute significantly to the welfare of the elderly and society. - When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred on 1st October every year at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. - Who confers these awards?
They are presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. - What is the significance of the Centenarian Award?
It recognizes individuals over 90 years who continue to be active and contribute to society. - How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 categories spanning both institutional and individual achievements. - What is the cash award for the Centenarian category?
The cash award is ₹2,50,000. - Are travel expenses reimbursed for awardees?
Yes, the Central Government reimburses travel, lodging, and related expenses for awardees and one companion. - Is self-nomination allowed?
No, nominees must be recommended by authorized persons. - What is the URL of the National Awards Portal?
Please refer to the official portal link provided in the guidelines. - Where can the PDF of the scheme guidelines be found?
The guidelines are available on the National Awards Portal along with other relevant documents.