The National Awards for Outstanding Services in the Field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse is a prestigious initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India. This award, presented biennially since 2016 on 26th June—the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking—recognizes excellence in the prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse. The award for the Best Non-profit Institution honors organizations that have made outstanding contributions in this field, driving effective awareness campaigns, innovative rehabilitation efforts, and sustainable preventive measures.
Benefits
- Decoration and Recognition:
Awardees receive a prestigious citation, memento, and a cash prize of ₹4,00,000. - Conferred by Top Dignitaries:
The awards are presented by the President or Prime Minister of India at a ceremony held on 26th June in New Delhi. - Expense Coverage:
The Central Government bears all boarding, lodging, and travel expenses for awardees and one accompanying person. - National Prestige:
The award elevates the profile of the institution, enhancing its credibility and potential for further funding and support.
Eligibility
- Open to All:
The award is available to all Indian non-profit institutions and organizations actively engaged in the prevention of alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse without discrimination based on religion, race, sex, caste, or creed. - Nomination Requirement:
Nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized agency or person. Self-nominations are not permitted. - Repetition Clause:
Organizations or individuals that have previously received the award are ineligible for the next three cycles. - Authorized Nominators:
Nominations can be made by concerned ministries or departments of the Government of India, state governments/UT administrations, regional resource and training centers, members of the National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation, renowned apex chambers (e.g., FICCI, CII), past awardees, and recognized educational and regulatory bodies.
Application Process
Online Submission
- Access the National Awards Portal:
Authorized agencies or nominators must submit the nominee’s application using the prescribed proforma on the National Awards Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs. - Language Requirement:
The application must be submitted in Hindi or English. - Evaluation Process:
- A Screening Committee reviews all submissions based on the impact, innovation, and sustainability of the nominee’s contributions.
- A National Selection Committee then finalizes the awardee for each category.
- Final Approval:
Before public announcement, the concurrence of the prospective awardee is verified.
Documents Required
For Non-profit Institutions
- Registration Documents:
Certificate of Registration, Memorandum of Association (as a voluntary/nonprofit organization, PSU, or private sector entity) - Organizational Proof:
Proof of the organization’s category (e.g., IRCA, RRTC, NGO, etc.) and address. - Minutes & Reports:
Minutes of General Body Meetings, Annual Reports, and Audited Balance Sheets for the past five years. - Publications and Media Coverage:
Copies of publications, books, or articles demonstrating the organization’s work. - Awards and Recognition:
Documentation of past awards or recognitions in the field. - Project Records:
Proof of projects undertaken in alcohol and drug abuse prevention over the last 10 years, including details of financial support received from other agencies. - Additional Evidence:
Any reports or documents that highlight outstanding achievements in de-addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many times is this award presented in a year?
A1: The awards are presented once every two years.
Q2: For what achievements is this award conferred?
A2: The award is given for outstanding services in the prevention of alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse, recognizing excellence in awareness campaigns, treatment, rehabilitation, and innovative prevention strategies.
Q3: What are the objectives of this award?
A3: The objective is to encourage excellence in drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation, recognize significant contributions, and promote the involvement of non-profit institutions in creating a drug-free society.
Q4: What is meant by “other addictive substances”?
A4: This term refers to addictive substances other than tobacco, such as cough syrups and correction fluid.
Q5: Which ministry is the nodal authority for drug demand reduction?
A5: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is the nodal ministry responsible for drug demand reduction.
Q6: Who can nominate a candidate for this award?
A6: Only authorized agencies or persons—such as government departments, state administrations, regional resource centers, apex chambers, and past awardees—can nominate candidates.
Q7: Are self-nominations accepted?
A7: No, self-nominations are not accepted.
Q8: How long must an institution wait after receiving an award to be eligible again?
A8: An institution that has received an award is ineligible for the next three award cycles.
Q9: Which day is recognized as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?
A9: 26th June is recognized as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Q10: Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines and the user manual of the application process?
A10: The guidelines and user manual are available on the official portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and through Awardpedia.