RAKSHAK PURASKARS Award is presented annually by the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Government of Goa, to individuals who have shown exceptional courage and demonstrated respect and dignity towards women in society. The award recognizes those who have gone beyond their duties to assist victims of violence, harassment, or attacks against women and girls, whether at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces.
The awards are conferred on Independence Day (15th August) each year, starting from 2015, and aim to encourage society to show respect and dignity towards women, while motivating others to take a stand against violence and harassment.
Benefits
- Cash Prize: ₹20,000/-
- Scroll/Citation to recognize the recipient’s courage and contributions.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the RAKSHAK PURASKARS Award, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant should have demonstrated exceptional courage in assisting victims of violence, harassment, or attacks against women and girls.
- The applicant should have shown respect and dignity to women in society.
- The applicant can be from any profession, including Police Officers, Doctors, Lawyers, Public Prosecutors, Social Workers, Teachers, Tourist Guides, Lifeguards, Bus, Taxi, or Auto Drivers, etc.
- The applicant should have been a resident of Goa for the last 5 years as of 1st January of the respective year, or should have worked in Goa for at least 2 years.
- The applicant should be above 25 years of age as of 1st January of the respective year.
- The applicant should not have received any other award in the same field during the same year.
Application Process
The application process for the RAKSHAK PURASKARS Award is as follows:
- Step 1: Download and fill out the application form in the prescribed format. Ensure all mandatory fields are completed. Attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across).
- Step 2: Submit the filled-in application form and required documents to the Directorate of Women & Child Development, located at Old Education Building, 2nd Floor, 18th June Road, Panaji, Goa 403001.
- Step 3: Request an acknowledgment receipt from the concerned authority, which should contain details such as the date and time of submission, along with a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Passport-sized Photograph (duly attested by a Gazetted Officer).
- Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar card, Voter ID).
- Soft Copy of the Application (submitted as a CD in Word (.doc/.docx) format).
- Life Sketch of the Individual (including age, qualification, etc.) as per Annexure-A.
- Press Clippings/Certificates/Photographs related to the applicant’s work.
- Residential Certificate to verify the applicant’s address.
- Bank Details (Bank Account Number, Name of the Bank, Bank Branch, and IFSC Code).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can individuals who have received other awards in different fields apply for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Yes, individuals who have received awards in other fields can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for this specific award. - Can individuals from any profession apply for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Yes, individuals from any profession, including police officers, social workers, teachers, and taxi drivers, are eligible to apply. - How many awards are given each year?
Two awards are conferred each year. - Is there any age limit for the applicants?
Yes, applicants must be above 25 years of age as of 1st January of the respective year. - What documents are required to apply for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Applicants must provide identity proof, a passport-sized photograph, a soft copy of the application, a life sketch, press clippings, and bank details. - How can an individual apply for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
By filling out the prescribed application form and submitting it along with the required documents to the Directorate of Women & Child Development. - What are the benefits of receiving the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Awardees receive a cash prize of ₹20,000/- and a scroll/citation recognizing their courage and efforts. - Who is eligible to receive the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage in assisting victims of violence or harassment against women and girls in Goa. - What is the purpose of the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
The award aims to recognize and honor individuals who have gone beyond their call of duty in helping victims of violence against women, while encouraging respect and dignity for women in society. - How many times can an individual receive the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
An individual can receive the award only once. - Can organizations or groups apply for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
No, only individuals are eligible for this award. - Is there a specific deadline for submitting applications for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
While no specific deadline is mentioned, it is advisable to submit applications well in advance of Independence Day (15th August). - Are the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Awards open to both men and women?
Yes, the award is open to both men and women who meet the eligibility criteria. - What is the selection process for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Awards?
The selection process involves evaluating the nominee’s contributions and courage in helping victims of violence, and a review of their submitted documentation. - Can self-nominations be made for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Yes, self-nominations are allowed, provided the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. - Is there any application fee for applying for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
No, there is no application fee for applying. - Can individuals residing outside Goa apply for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
No, applicants must be residents of Goa for the last 5 years. - What is the format for the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award ceremony?
The awards are presented during the Independence Day celebrations on 15th August. - Can the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award recipients use the cash prize for any purpose they desire?
Yes, the cash prize can be used at the recipient’s discretion.