About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Introduction

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India’s highest civilian honor for children, recognizing exceptional achievements across various fields. Instituted by the Government of India, the award seeks to inspire young achievers and promote their contributions to society. This eBook provides a detailed overview of the award, its significance, and relevance for UPSC aspirants, particularly for topics in Polity, Governance, and Social Issues.

Historical Background

  1. Origins:

    • Established in 1996 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
    • Initially known as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement.
  2. Revamped in 2018:

    • Renamed to Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to align with the vision of holistic child development.
    • The award now integrates two categories:
      • Bal Shakti Puraskar: For individual achievements.
      • Bal Kalyan Puraskar: For individuals and institutions promoting child welfare.

Objectives of the Award

  1. Recognition of Excellence:

    • Celebrate the outstanding achievements of children under 18 years of age.
    • Highlight contributions in innovation, education, sports, social service, art and culture, and bravery.
  2. Encouragement and Inspiration:

    • Motivate children to excel in their fields of interest.
    • Promote a culture of innovation, resilience, and social responsibility among the youth.
  3. Fostering Child Welfare:

    • Honor individuals and institutions working for the well-being and empowerment of children.

Categories of the Award

  1. Bal Shakti Puraskar:

    • Awarded to children for exceptional achievements in:
      • Innovation: Scientific discoveries, patents, or technological contributions.
      • Education: Academic excellence, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
      • Sports: Representing India or excelling in national and international sports events.
      • Art and Culture: Contributions in fine arts, music, dance, literature, and indigenous art forms.
      • Social Service: Addressing social issues like child rights, environment, and welfare.
      • Bravery: Acts of extraordinary courage in the face of challenges.
  2. Bal Kalyan Puraskar:

    • Awarded to:
      • Individuals: For their sustained contribution to child welfare.
      • Institutions: For significant efforts in areas like education, health, child rights, and rehabilitation.

Award Process

  • Eligibility:

    • Children below the age of 18 years for the Bal Shakti Puraskar.
    • For Bal Kalyan Puraskar, individuals and institutions should have a proven record of contributions to child welfare.
  • Nomination and Selection:

    • Nominations are invited through an online portal managed by the MWCD.
    • A high-level committee evaluates applications based on criteria like impact, innovation, and excellence.
  • Awards and Recognition:

    • Recipients receive:
      • A medal.
      • A certificate.
      • A cash prize of ₹1,00,000 for Bal Shakti Puraskar winners.
    • Honored in a ceremony held in New Delhi, often presided over by the President of India.
  •  

Impact of Cyclones

  • Promoting Child Rights:

    • Reinforces India’s commitment to international conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Encouraging Youth Participation:

    • Highlights the role of children in societal transformation and nation-building.
  • Recognizing Unsung Heroes:

    • Brings attention to remarkable achievements by children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Institutional Excellence:

    • Encourages organizations to prioritize child welfare in their missions.

Recent Awardees and Their Achievements

  1. Bal Shakti Puraskar (2023):

    • Recognized children for groundbreaking achievements in artificial intelligence, environmental conservation, and sports.
    • Example: A young innovator who developed a low-cost water purification system.
  2. Bal Kalyan Puraskar (2023):

    • Honored individuals advocating for the education of underprivileged children.
    • Institutions recognized for providing rehabilitation to child laborers.
  3. Impact Stories:

    • Awardees often inspire large-scale initiatives, such as campaigns for literacy or environmental awareness.

Relevance for UPSC Examination

  1. Prelims:

    • Questions on the establishment year, objectives, and categories of the PMRBP.
    • Focus on recent awardees and their contributions.
  2. Mains:

    • GS Paper II (Governance):
      • Role of awards in promoting child welfare.
      • Government schemes related to children’s development.
    • GS Paper I (Society):
      • Contributions of children to India’s social and cultural landscape.
    • GS Paper IV (Ethics):
      • Essays on child welfare and moral leadership.
      • Case studies inspired by bravery awardees.
  3. Essay:

    • Topics like “Youth as Agents of Change” or “Empowering Children for a Better Tomorrow.”

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar celebrates the spirit of innovation, courage, and service among India’s youth. By recognizing young achievers and promoting child welfare, the award underscores the importance of nurturing talent and fostering social responsibility from an early age. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the PMRBP offers insights into government initiatives aimed at empowering the next generation, an essential topic for comprehensive preparation in competitive exams.

This eBook equips aspirants with a holistic understanding of the award, enabling them to answer questions effectively and appreciate its significance in India’s socio-cultural and governance framework.

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