National Award For Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Best Public Sector Organisation In Promoting The Wellbeing And Welfare Of Senior Citizens
National award for PSUs doing outstanding senior citizen welfare work · 1st October ceremony
The Vayoshreshtha Samman: Best Public Sector Organisation award is a national recognition given by the President of India each year on October 1st (International Day of Older Persons) to a Public Sector Undertaking that has done exceptional work for senior citizens through CSR programs, post-retirement support, or workplace infrastructure. Nominations are submitted through authorized agencies (government ministries, state governments, FICCI, CII, etc.) via the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in — self-nominations are not accepted.
About This Scheme
The Vayoshreshtha Samman: Best Public Sector Organisation award is a national recognition given by the President of India each year on October 1st (International Day of Older Persons) to a Public Sector Undertaking that has done exceptional work for senior citizens through CSR programs, post-retirement support, or workplace infrastructure. Nominations are submitted through authorized agencies (government ministries, state governments, FICCI, CII, etc.) via the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in — self-nominations are not accepted.
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 Private Sector Organisation in Promoting the Wellbeing and Welfare of Senior Citizens" award shall be given to the Public Sector Undertakings Undertaking Service to the Community Through Activities Under Corporate Social Responsibility and Also Through Programmes for Retired Employees. The activities taken for the benefit of senior citizens should be away from the mainline business of the organization.
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
- National recognition: Citation and Memento presented by the President or Prime Minister of India
- Ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on October 1st every year
- Travel, boarding, and accommodation for the awardee and one companion fully covered by the Central Government
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For B2B founders selling wellness, HR-tech, or retirement planning products to PSUs, this award signals which government enterprises are actively investing in senior employee and community welfare — a useful procurement signal.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) with documented programs benefiting senior citizens
- Must demonstrate at least one of: a post-retirement career policy for employees, geriatric medical care infrastructure, healthy ageing programs, or barrier-free facilities for senior citizens at the workplace
- Activities for senior citizens must be outside the organization's core business operations
- Nominations must come from an authorized agency: Central/State Government ministry, past Padma or Vayoshreshtha awardees, FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, or NCSrC members
- Self-nominations are not accepted
- Open to all Indian organizations regardless of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed
Exclusions
- Self-nominations are not accepted
- Must be nominated by an authorized agency (Central Ministries, State Governments, past Padma/Vayoshreshtha Samman awardees, FICCI/CII/ASSOCHAM members)
How to Apply
- Authorized nominating agencies register on the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in
- Login and select 'Vayoshreshtha Samman - National Awards for Senior Citizens', then click 'Nominate/Apply Now'
- Fill in all mandatory fields for the Best Public Sector Organisation category, including details of CSR activities and post-retirement programs for senior citizens
- A Screening Committee constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment shortlists nominations
- The final Selection Committee, chaired by the Minister, approves awardees — awards are presented on 1st October (International Day of Older Persons) by the President or Prime Minister
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.inDocuments Required
- Certificate of Registration
- Proof of address (for communication)
- Proof of area of specialization (MoA with objects and bye-laws)
- Annual reports for the last 3 years
- Details of outstanding achievements in the last 5 years in the relevant award category
- Details of awards or honors received (with citations and justification)
- Justification for the award