Context
The central government has begun the process of inviting nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), the country’s highest civilian honour awarded to children for exceptional achievements in various fields.
About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
- The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is a national award that recognises children for their outstanding achievements, energy, determination, talent and enthusiasm.
Eligibility
- The child must be an Indian citizen and a resident of India.
- Age should be above 5 years and not more than 18 years (as on 31st July of the award year).
- The achievement or activity must have taken place within the last 2 years before the application or nomination deadline.
Awards given
- Medal
- Certificate
- Citation
- Usually, up to 25 children are selected each year, though this number can be changed if the committee decides.
Who can nominate
- Any individual or institution can nominate eligible children.
- Children can also apply on their own (self-nomination).
- Nominations can also come from authorities such as Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, MPs, and officials from central and state governments, including district authorities and educational institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Selection process
- A special committee formed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development reviews all nominations.
- The committee includes experts from different fields and is headed by the Secretary of the Ministry.
- Only children recommended by this committee are selected for the award.
- Selection is based on exceptional and meaningful achievements, not routine or general contributions.
- Final approval is given by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
Award ceremony
- The awards are announced on 26 December (Veer Bal Diwas).
- The President of India presents the awards at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
