Women in India have faced a patriarchal society from time unknown and it has prevented them from taking part in the workforce, education and other spheres. However, with the change in time and progress of the society, women came forward as able leaders and contributors to society, creating the Nari Shakti Puraskar as a government scheme for women empowerment.

Every year, the government of India recognises women who have created a change or a difference or have excelled in their field. These women are awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar (नारी शक्ति पुरस्कार) by the government. Let us learn more about this govt award.

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What Is The Nari Shakti Puraskar (नारी शक्ति पुरस्कार)?

The Nari Shakti Puraskar is awarded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development every year to women who have worked for women’s empowerment. It is also given to organisations or groups working for the cause of women’s empowerment.

It was started in 1999 under the name of ‘Stree Shakti Puruskar’ by the Ministry. It is the highest civilian honour for women and is awarded by the President of India.

There are six institutional categories under the Nari Shakti Puruskar, which have been named after eminent women from the past. Awards are given to institutions and organisations under these categories.

The institutional categories are:

• Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award: This award is given for the best private sector organisation or public sector undertaking in promoting the well-being and welfare of women.

• Kannagi Devi Award: This award is given to the best state which has appreciably improved Child Sex Ratio (CSR).

• Mata Jijabai Award: This award is given to the best urban local body for providing services and facilities to women.

• Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award: This award is given to a civil society organisation (CSO) doing outstanding work for the welfare and well-being of women.

• Rani Lakshmi Bai Award: This award is given to the best institution for research and development in the field of women empowerment.

• Rani Rudramma Devi Awards: These awards are given to two District Panchayats and two Gram Panchayats for working in furtherance of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

The individual categories are

• Award for courage and bravery

• Awards for making outstanding contributions to women’s endeavour, community work, making a difference, or women's empowerment.

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What Is The Description Of Awards Given Under Nari Shakti Puraskar (नारी शक्ति पुरस्कार)?

As a token of appreciation, awards of Rs. 2,00,000 are given under the institutional category. The individual category awardees receive Rs. 1,00,000 as an award. All the award holders are also given a certificate of commendation.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Receiving A Nari Shakti Puraskar?

The eligibility criteria to receive a Nari Shakti award are as follows:

• All individuals and institutions can apply.

• In the case of the individual category, the awardee must be at least 25 years of age on 1st July of the award year.

• If the applicant is an institution, it should have worked in the relevant field for at least 5 years.

• The applicant should not be a recipient of the same award earlier (including Stree Shakti Puraskars as were awarded by the Ministry earlier).

• Union Territories and States that have shown a commendable positive change in the Child Sex Ratio may also be awarded.

• The awards are not presented posthumously ordinarily, however, if the death occurs after the proposal has been submitted, the award may be considered under

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Who Can Nominate For Nari Shakti Puraskar(नारी शक्ति पुरस्कार)?

The nomination for these awards can be made by the following persons:

• State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, concerned Central Ministries/ Departments.

• Non-Governmental Organisations, Universities/ Institutions, Private and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

• The Selection Committee may recommend an individual/ institution for the award with sufficient justification.

• Self-nominations & recommendations for the awards.

• Union Territories and States that have shown a considerable change in the Child Sex Ratio may also apply and be awarded.

• The award is not given posthumously, however, in an exceptional case, where the proposal for the award was made before the demise, giving the award may be considered.

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What Is The Selection Process For Nari Shakti Puraskar?

The selection process for Nari Shakti Puraskar consists of screening and evaluation processes. The process is:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development constitutes a Screening Committee to scrutinise and shortlist the nominations received for the Awards and to evaluate the achievements of the applying/ recommended individuals and institutions. The Screening Committee consists of:

• Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development - Chairperson, ex-officio

• Domain expert in the field of women issues/gender expert, Ministry of Women and Child Development - Member

• Concerned Director/ DS level officer, Ministry of Women and Child Development - Member

• Director/ DS level officer, Ministry of Urban Development, Rural Development, Health, Panchayati Raj, Home Affairs, NITI Aayog - Member

• Representative of CII and FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) - Member

• Concerned Under Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development - Member Secretary

A Selection Committee is then constituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to select the awardees based on recommendations of the Screening Committee. The Selection Committee consists of:

• Hon'ble Minister for Women and Child Development - Chairperson, ex-officio

• Hon’ble Minister of State for Women and Child Development - Member, ex-officio

• Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development - Member, ex-officio

• Special or Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development - Member, ex-officio

• Secretary or his nominee from Ministry of Rural Development - Member, ex-officio

• Five National level eminent NGOs/individuals/institutions - Co-opted members

• Joint Secretary (Women Awards) - Member-Secretary

The selection committee also holds the discretion to select another awardee apart from those recommended by the screening committee.

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Conclusion

The Nari Shakti Puraskar is a motivating govt award for individuals who have made appreciable efforts towards changing society positively in terms of women empowerment. Women’s empowerment is crucial for the progress of any nation as it promotes equality and integrity. With this govt puraskar scheme, the government cheers those who help in making Indian society a better place to live every day!

You can access the complete guidelines for the Nari Shakti Puraskar here.

For more information, queries or grievances, dial 01123386553 or drop a mail at manishks.rth@nic.in.