Central Govt Social welfare & Empowerment

National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Best Institution For Research In The Field Of Ageing

The Vayoshreshtha Samman "Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing" award recognizes registered organizations with at least 5 years of experience that have made outstanding contributions to geriatric research, policy development on elderly welfare, and dissemination of knowledge through conferences and publications. Winners receive ₹5 lakh cash, a Citation, and a Memento from the President of India on 1 October. Nominations go through the National Awards Portal via authorized agencies.

Department of Social Justice & Empowerment For: Infra Official Source

About This Scheme

Full official description

Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India confers the "National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)" to the eminent and outstanding senior citizens and institutions/organizations involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens. The awards are conferred on 1st October every year by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The "Vayoshreshtha Samman: Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing" award shall be given to institutions with a record of outstanding work in research and dissemination of knowledge in the field of ageing. A total of 11 awards are given along with a Certificate, a Memento and also Cash Award. The total number of Awardees is 15 (Fifteen). The Awards are given across 13 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

Cash award of ₹5 lakh
Citation and Memento
Award presented by the President or Prime Minister of India on 1 October
Travel and accommodation for awardee and one companion covered by the Central Government

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

Must be a registered institution or organization with at least 5 years of experience in ageing research or geriatric care
Must have notable achievements in research publications or knowledge dissemination on elderly issues
Must have contributed to education, training, or policy development in the field of ageing
Must have actively spread knowledge through conferences, seminars, or workshops
Nominations from authorized agencies only; self-nominations are not accepted

How to Apply

Online

Registration

Step 1: The agencies or persons, authorized to nominate and recommend eligible institutions or individuals, should visit the National Awards Portal. On the top right of the homepage, click "Register". Step 2: You will be directed to the Registration Page. Fill in all the mandatory fields (marked with a Red Asterisk). Step 3: Check the "Declaration" checkboxes provided at the bottom of the page. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Submit".You will receive the Login Credentials on your Registered Mobile Number.

Application

Step 1: Visit the National Awards Portal. On the top right of the homepage, click "Login". Step 2: Login using credentials. From the list of awards, select "Vayoshreshtha Samman - National Awards for Senior Citizens", then click "Nominate / Apply Now". Step 3: On the next page, fill in all the mandatory fields in the online application form, and then click "Submit".

Selection of Awardees

A Screening Committee shall be constituted in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to scrutinize and shortlist the nominations, under Additional Secretary/ Joint Secretary.
The final Selection of the Awardees shall be made by the Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Calendar of Activities

Issue of Letter Inviting Nominations by the Ministry: 1st November
Last Date of Receipt of Nominations: 31st January
Shortlisting of Nominations by the Screening Committee: 28th February
Final selection by the Jury: 30th April
Approval by the Minister: 31st May
Vetting by IB: 15th August
Announcement of the Awards: 1st September
Presentation of the Awards: 1st October

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the objectives of this scheme?

The objective of this scheme is to honour the eminent and outstanding senior citizens and institutions/organizations involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens.

When are these awards conferred?

The awards are conferred on 1st October every year.

Who confers these awards?

The awards are conferred by the Hon'ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?

The address of Vigyan Bhawan is: Maulana Azad Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011

How many categories are there in this award?

The Awards are given across 13 categories: 07 Institutional Categories and 06 categories of individual type.

What is the maximum amount of the cash award in the institutional category?

The maximum amount of the cash award in the Institutional Category is [?] 10,00,000/-.

Will the to-and-from travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?

Yes, the to-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day prior to and after the date of the Samman ceremony (depending upon the actual arrival and departure dates) shall be arranged and the expenditure shall be reimbursed by the Central Government.

Are there any awards for urban local bodies?

Yes, there is an award for the "Best Urban Local Body in providing services and Facilities to Senior Citizens" under the Institutional Category.

While conferring the award, is there any preference/priority given to educational institutions?

The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals without any distinction or discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or creed.

Can I nominate myself for this award?

No, Self-nominations for the Awards shall not be considered.

What is the URL of the national awards portal?

National Awards Portal, Ministry of Home Affairs at https://awards.gov.in

Can the application form be filled in malayalam?

The Application should be in Hindi or English language only.

Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?

The PDF of the Scheme Guidelines can be found at - https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Englishfull169.pdf

Who can become a nominee for this award?

The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals.

Ready to apply?

Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.

Apply on myScheme.gov.in

Documents Required

Certificate of Registration
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 Qualification of their Members
Details of NGO working at Regional/State/National/International Level..
Total staff strength of the NGO.
Annual Reports for the last 3 years.
Special or Outstanding Achievements during the last 5 years in the field of the Category of the Award.
Details of Awards or Honours received, if any (attach citations), along with Justification for the Award.
Justification for the award.