The Biju Patnaik Bravery Award was initiated by the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha to honor and recognize exceptional acts of bravery by the people of Odisha. Named after the late Biju Patnaik, a revered ex-Chief Minister known for his courageous deeds, the award is presented annually for the most outstanding act of bravery, inspiring the youth of India.
Benefits
- Cash Award: ₹1,00,000/-
- Medal & Scroll: One silver medal and a scroll
- Travel and Accommodation:
- The awardee is invited to receive the award in person.
- TA/DA is provided at the rate of 1st Class Rail/Bus fare.
- Stay arrangements in Bhubaneswar are made by the Department.
- Additional Notes:
- Canvassing for the award in any form is strictly prohibited.
- The award may be given posthumously to the next of kin.
- In cases involving multiple individuals, the cash award will be shared.
- The award is not mandatory every year if no suitable candidate is identified.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Act of Bravery:
- The act must be spectacular and performed within Odisha, or by an Odisha resident outside the state.
- Timeframe:
- The act of bravery should have been rendered between 1st January and 31st December of the preceding year.
- Criminal Record:
- The applicant must not have any criminal conviction.
- Frequency:
- An individual is eligible to receive the award only once in their lifetime.
Cancellation & Recovery
- Fraud Prevention:
- If the award is obtained by fraudulent means, it will be cancelled.
- Recovery Measures:
- The awardee will be required to refund the cash award, medal, and scroll, along with a simple interest charge at 5% per annum, if recovery is necessary.
Application Process
Nomination Process
- Advertisement:
- The advertisement and prescribed application format are uploaded every January on the Department Website. Hard copies are also available at the offices of the District Collector, DSO, Supdt. of Police, NYKS, NSS, BSG, NCC, IRCS, and the Sports & Youth Services Department.
- Submission:
- Nominations can be submitted by authorized officials (such as the Collector, Supdt. of Police, DSO, NYKS, NSS, BSG), by the individual themselves, by any registered voluntary organization, or by bodies like the NCC and Indian Red-Cross Society (State or Central Branch).
- Submit the nomination to the Secretary, Odisha State Youth Welfare Board, C-1, Nayapalli, Unit-8, Bhubaneswar.
- Self-Nomination:
- Self-nominations are not permitted.
- Department Nomination:
- The Department may also nominate candidates on its own.
Scrutiny & Selection
- Committee Review:
- A three-member Committee, chaired by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, along with the Asst. Director, Y.S. and AFA-cum-Under-Secretary, scrutinizes the nominations.
- Final Approval:
- The committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the Hon’ble Minister, Sports & Youth Services for government approval.
Timelines
- Advertisement Issuance: By 31st January
- Last Date for Submission: By 31st March
- Scrutiny & Selection: By 31st May
- Award Ceremony: By 29th August (National Sports Day)
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Three Passport-size Photographs
- FIR or Police Diary from the relevant Police Station
- Newspaper/Magazine Clippings as evidence
- Supporting Photographs (if available)
- Recommendation Letter (if available)
- Adequate Documentary Evidence supporting the act of bravery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the “Biju Patnaik Bravery Award”?
It is an award recognizing outstanding acts of bravery by individuals from Odisha. -
How often is the award given?
The award is intended to be conferred annually, though it is not mandatory if no suitable candidate is found. -
What are the benefits of the award?
Benefits include a cash award of ₹1,00,000, a silver medal, a scroll, and travel/accommodation arrangements. -
Are there any restrictions on canvassing?
Yes, any form of canvassing for the award is strictly prohibited. -
Can the award be given posthumously?
Yes, it can be awarded posthumously to the next of kin. -
What happens in cases involving multiple individuals?
The cash award is shared among all individuals involved. -
What acts of bravery make an individual eligible?
Any spectacular act of bravery performed by an individual, either inside Odisha or by an Odisha resident outside the state, within the specified timeframe. -
Is there a criminal background restriction?
Yes, the applicant must not have any prior criminal convictions. -
Can an individual receive the award more than once?
No, the award is conferred only once per individual. -
Where can the nomination form be found?
The application format is available on the Department Website and at designated offices.