Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The President of India, recently honoured 19 children with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) in various categories, acknowledging their outstanding contributions in Bravery, Science & Technology, Innovation, Social Service, Sports, and Art and Culture.

What is Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)?

  • About:
    • The PMRBP is organized to celebrate the energy, determination, ability, zeal and enthusiasm of children.
    • The awards are conferred upon the children for their excellence in seven categories, viz. Art & Culture, Bravery, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service and Sports, which deserve national recognition.
    • Each awardee of PMRBP is given a medal, cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh, a Certificate and a Citation.
    • The selection of awardees was made by a Selection Committee under the chairpersonship of the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
      • The Awards are given by the President of India in the week preceding Republic Day every year.
  • Background:
    • The Government of India has been conferring awards to children for their exceptional achievements.
    • The awards for child welfare were also conferred, to individuals as well as institutions.
      • These awards were given in the following categories:
        • National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements - since 1996.
        • National Child Welfare Award (Individual) - since 1979.
        • National Child Welfare Award (Institution) - since 1979.
        • Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award - since 1994.
      • Since 2017-18, these Awards were given under the following categories:
        • Bal Shakti Puraskar (Earlier known as National Child Award).
        • Bal Kalyan Puraskar [Individual & Institution] (Earlier known as National Child Welfare Award).
      • From the year 2022 onwards, Bal Kalyan Puraskar (both Individual and Institution) has been closed and Bal Shakti Puraskar has been subsumed under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
  • Eligibility:
    • A child who is an Indian Citizen and is a resident of India.
    • A Child above the age of 5 years and not exceeding 18 years (as on 31st July of respective year).
    • The act/incident/achievement should have been within 2 years of the last date of receipt of application/nomination for the year of consideration.
  • Number of Awardees:
    • 25, however, any relaxation to this maximum number may be permitted at the discretion of the National Selection Committee.