by Sudhir Kumar
Ministry of Women and Child Development has invited nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar-2021 from children, individuals and institutions. The last date of receipt of application forms has been extended to 15th of September.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was instituted to felicitate meritorious children, individuals and institutions of the country. These awards are given under two categories – Bal Shakti Puraskar and Bal Kalyan Puraskar.
The Awards are given by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the week preceding Republic Day every year. Prime Minister also felicitates the Awardees. The Awardees of Bal Shakti Puraskar also take part in Republic Day Parade on the 26th of January on Rajpath. The Bal Shakti Puraskar aims to give recognition to children who have achieved extraordinarily in various fields including innovation, scholastic, sports, art and culture, social service and bravery.
The Bal Kalyan Puraskar 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. The Ministry has also clarified that some awards conferred in the name of ICCW National Bravery Awards by a private organization are not recognized by it and it is not in any way associated with them.