National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services And Facilities to Senior Citizens is a central government award that honours municipal bodies doing outstanding work for elderly citizens. This scheme encourages Urban Local Bodies to improve infrastructure and services for senior citizens, and winners receive a citation, a memento and a cash prize at an annual ceremony held in New Delhi on 1st October. Nominations for the 2026 award are invited through the National Awards Portal.
Vayoshreshtha Samman is an annual national award given to institutions and individuals who serve senior citizens, especially those who are poor and in need of support. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, runs this scheme. The award ceremony takes place on 1st October at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to match the International Day of Older Persons. Every year the government presents awards across 13 categories, and the Best Urban Local Body category is one of them.
Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services And Facilities to Senior Citizens - Key Details
This award is meant for municipal bodies, municipalities and corporations that have done very good work for senior citizens living in their area. The focus is on health services, counselling, legal aid and age-friendly infrastructure. The winner gets a formal citation, a commemorative memento and a cash award of ₹5,00,000.
The central government also supports the winners during the ceremony. For example, if the Municipal Commissioner of a city is selected, the government covers the boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one official companion. It also arranges and reimburses to-and-fro travel expenses and provides accommodation for one day before and one day after the ceremony. The travel and daily allowance (TA/DA) follows the standards set for a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Best Urban Local Body in Providing Services And Facilities to Senior Citizens |
| Level | Central |
| Target | Urban Local Bodies |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Cash Award | ₹5,00,000 |
| Ceremony Date | 1st October |
| Application Mode | Online through National Awards Portal |
Benefits
When a municipal body wins this award, it receives a formal citation, a commemorative memento and a cash award of ₹5,00,000. The government also organises the ceremony in New Delhi and supports the winners throughout the event.
If the Municipal Commissioner of a city like Indore is selected, the central government covers the boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one official companion. The government also arranges and reimburses to-and-fro travel expenses and provides accommodation for one day before and after the ceremony. The travel and daily allowance (TA/DA) for attendees follow the standards set for a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Eligibility
To be considered for this award, a municipal body must show very good work in areas such as health services, counselling, legal aid and the creation of age-friendly infrastructure. The organisation should show that it has played a big role in helping elderly people and in involving the local community in the care of the elderly. Proof of promoting a barrier-free environment in public buildings within the municipal area is also a key requirement.
The award is open to all Indian institutions, regardless of religion, race, sex or caste. However, an organisation cannot nominate itself. It must be recommended by authorised agencies, such as ministries, state governments or past national award recipients. For example, if a Municipal Corporation in Karnataka wishes to apply, its nomination must be formally sent forward by an authorised body.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the National Awards Portal. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the National Awards Portal and click the Register button on the homepage. Fill in the required details and submit to receive login credentials on the registered mobile number.
STEP 2 - Log in to the portal and select Vayoshreshtha Samman - National Awards for Senior Citizens from the awards list.
STEP 3 - Click Nominate / Apply Now and fill in the online application form with all the required details.
STEP 4 - Submit the form along with the required documents. A screening committee reviews the submission, and a panel chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment makes the final selection. The awards are presented on 1st October.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
- Certificate of Registration of the organisation
- Proof of Address for communication
- Memorandum and Articles of Association detailing the objectives
- Certified copy of the Certificate of Registration of the parent organisation
- Details of the Managing Committee members and their qualifications
- Information on the reach of the organisation (regional, state or national)
- Total staff strength and annual reports for the last 3 years
- Evidence of outstanding achievements in the last 5 years and details of previous awards received
- Formal justification for the nomination
References
View Official Press Advertisement
Download Invitation and User Manual
View Eligibility Criteria Document
FAQ's
What are the objectives of this scheme?
The objective is to honour outstanding institutions and individuals who render distinguished service to senior citizens, especially those who are poor and in need of support.
When are these awards conferred?
The awards are presented annually on 1st October at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Can an organisation nominate itself for this award?
No, self-nominations are not permitted. An organisation must be recommended by an authorised agency, such as a ministry, state government or past national award recipient.
Is there a specific language for the application?
The application form should be completed in either Hindi or English.
Who covers the travel expenses for the ceremony?
The central government arranges and reimburses the to-and-fro travel and accommodation expenses for the awardee and one companion.