Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

• 16 Sep 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, organises Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar every year to celebrate the energy, determination, ability, zeal and enthusiasm of our children.

What is Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

• Two Categories: The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is given under two categories:
  • Bal Shakti Puraskar, and
  • Bal Kalyan Puraskar.
• Bal Shakti Puraskar:
  • Recognition:
    • It is given by the Government of India every year to recognize exceptional achievements of children in various fields i.e., innovation, scholastic achievements, social service, arts & culture, sports and bravery.
  • Eligibility:
    • A child who is an Indian Citizen and residing in India and is between 5-18 years of age.
  • Award:
    • A medal, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, book vouchers worth Rs.10,000, a certificate and citation.
  • Background:
    • It was instituted in 1996 as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, renamed from 2018 as Bal Shakti Puraskar.
• Bal Kalyan Puraskar:
  • Recognition:
    • It is given as recognition to Individuals and Institutions, who have made an outstanding contribution towards service for children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare.
  • Eligibility:
    • An individual who is an Indian Citizen and residing in India and should have attained the age of 18 years or above (as on 31st August of respective year). She/he should have worked for the cause of children for not less than 7 years.
    • The institution should not be entirely funded by the government and should have been in the field of child welfare for 10 years and performing consistently in the field.
  • Award:
    • Three awards are given in each of the two categories - Individual and Institution - along with cash prizes (Rs. 1,00, 000 and Rs. 5,00, 000 respectively).
  • Background:
    • It was instituted in 1979 as the National Child Welfare Awards, renamed from 2018 as Bal Kalyan Puraskar.