National Award For Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Best State In Implementing The Maintenance And Welfare Of Parents And Senior Citizens Act, 2007, And Providing Services And Facilities To Senior Citizens

National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)

The “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” recognizes outstanding contributions made by states and union territories in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. This award is a pivotal initiative by the Government of India aimed at honoring both individuals and organizations that serve the elderly community.

Overview of the Scheme

Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, bestows the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” on senior citizens and various institutions that have demonstrated exceptional service towards the elderly, particularly those in need. The awards ceremony takes place annually on October 1st, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where the President of India presents the awards.

The “Vayoshreshtha Samman: Best State in Implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and Providing Services and Facilities to Senior Citizens” award is designated for the state or union territory that has excelled in executing the provisions of the Act and achieving the highest claim settlement rates for maintenance. A total of eleven awards are presented, accompanied by a certificate, memento, and cash prize. The awards span across thirteen distinct categories:

Award Categories

• Institutional Category:
  • Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing
  • Best Institution for Providing Services and Awareness for Senior Citizens
  • Best District Panchayat for Services and Facilities for Senior Citizens
  • Best Urban Local Body for Services and Facilities for Senior Citizens
  • Best State in Implementing the Act and Providing Services to Senior Citizens
  • Best Private Sector Organization for Promoting Senior Citizens’ Welfare
  • Best Public Sector Organization for Promoting Senior Citizens’ Welfare
• 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)

Awards Benefits

Recipients of the award are honored with a citation and memento, which signifies their exceptional contributions.

Award Presentation Ceremony

The awards ceremony is a significant event held in New Delhi on October 1st each year. The President of India or the Prime Minister officiates the presentation of the awards.

• The Central Government covers the boarding and lodging expenses for the awardees and one companion each.
• Travel expenses, including accommodation for up to one day before and after the ceremony, are arranged and reimbursed by the Central Government.
• The travel and daily allowance (TA/DA) for awardees and their companions is equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for nomination is divided into two categories:

For the Nominee

• States or Union Territories must have effectively implemented various provisions of the Act.
• To qualify for the award, the following criteria must be met:
  • Notification of the Act and establishment of rules, maintenance officers, and tribunals.
  • High settlement rates for maintenance claims.
  • Formation of a State Council for Senior Citizens with regular meetings.
  • Development and execution of a comprehensive action plan for protecting senior citizens’ lives and properties.
  • Institutionalized medical support for senior citizens and infrastructure for geriatric healthcare.
  • Promotion of research on chronic, terminal, and degenerative diseases affecting the elderly.
  • Creation of a network of old age homes, service centers, helplines, and volunteer bureaus.

For Nominating Agencies/Individuals

• Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous organizations.
• State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.
• Previous recipients of Padma Awards, Vayoshreshtha Samman, and other National Awards.
• Members of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC).
• Recognized apex chambers such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and PHD Chamber of Commerce.
• Any other individuals or institutions authorized by the Ministry periodically.

Note: The awards are inclusive of all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals, regardless of religion, race, gender, caste, or creed. Self-nominations are not accepted, and nominations must be made by authorized individuals.

Application Process

How to Apply Online

Eligible nominators should follow these steps:

Registration

1. Visit the National Awards Portal.
2. Click on “Register” located at the top right of the homepage.
3. Complete all mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk.
4. Agree to the declaration checkboxes and complete the Captcha, then click “Submit”. You will receive login credentials on your registered mobile number.

Application

1. Return to the National Awards Portal.
2. Click on “Login” using the credentials you received.
3. Select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” from the list of awards and proceed with your application.