Kabir Puraskar Award: ₹2 Lakh Cash Prize for Bravery & National Unity

Launched in 1990 by the Government of India, the Kabir Puraskar Scheme recognizes acts of physical and moral courage performed during communal riots, caste conflicts, or ethnic clashes. The Award—named “Kabir Puraskar”—is conferred in three grades with both a title and a cash component. The scheme has been amended over time, revising both the cash amounts and the eligibility criteria.

Benefits

1. Cash Award:
   • Grade-I: ₹2,00,000 (Two lakh rupees)
   • Grade-II: ₹1,00,000 (One lakh rupees)
   • Grade-III: ₹50,000 (Fifty thousand rupees)
2. Certificate:
   • Each recipient receives a certificate with a suitable citation.

Notes:

• The cash Award is non-recurring; however, there is no bar on a person receiving the Award a second time on a subsequent occasion.
• The names of Award recipients are published in the official gazette.

Timing and Presentation

• Announcement: The Award is announced annually on 2nd October.
• Presentation: The Award may be conferred by the Central Government and is presented by the Prime Minister at a dedicated function in New Delhi.

Criteria for Award Grades

• Grade-I:
  For the most conspicuous acts of courage under circumstances of very grave danger, where the act may result in death or permanent incapacitation of the rescuer or his/her family.
• Grade-II:
  For acts of courage or promptitude where the rescuer sustains bodily injury in saving life and property.
• Grade-III:
  For acts of courage and promptitude in saving life and property, which may not involve as severe a risk as in Grades I or II.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Acts of Courage:
   • The Award is for individuals who have performed acts of physical or moral courage in saving lives and property during communal riots, caste conflicts, or ethnic clashes.
2. Who May Apply:
   • All Indian citizens of either sex, from all walks of life, are eligible except:
     • Members of the Armed Forces, Police Forces, and recognized fire services.
     • Government servants, if the act falls within the scope of their duty.
3. Exclusion:
   • Persons already in receipt of another Award or citation for the same act are ordinarily not eligible for the Kabir Puraskar.

Application Process

Offline Process via State/UT Recommendations:

1. Nomination:
   • All recommendations for the Award are made through State Governments or UT Administrations using the Nomination Form (Annexure-I).
2. Screening Committee:
   • Proposals are reviewed by a Screening Committee comprising the Union Home Secretary, Director (Intelligence Bureau), and the Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
3. Final Approval:
   • The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister for final approval.

Note:
There is no fixed number of Awards in any grade. State Governments/UT Administrations may nominate any number of persons who meet the scheme’s criteria.

Documents Required

1. Identity proof of the candidate.
2. Three recent passport-size photographs.
3. A detailed note describing the act of physical/moral courage during communal/caste/ethnic violence.
4. Details of any other work done for the promotion of communal harmony or national integration.
5. Recommendation letter from the State Government/UT Administration.
6. Any other supporting documents as required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the Kabir Puraskar Scheme?
  A national Award recognizing courageous acts during communal, caste, or ethnic conflicts, including a cash prize and certificate.
• Which agency implements this scheme?
  The Ministry of Home Affairs.
• When was it launched?
  The scheme was introduced in 1990.
• When is the Award announced?
  Announced every year on 2nd October.
• Where is the Award presented?
  The Award is presented in New Delhi by the Prime Minister.
• Who is eligible?
  All Indian citizens (except for certain government and security personnel) who perform acts of courage in saving life and property during communal or caste/ethnic violence.
• What are the cash award amounts?
  Grade-I: ₹2,00,000; Grade-II: ₹1,00,000; Grade-III: ₹50,000.
• Are there any additional benefits?
  Yes, recipients also receive a certificate with a citation.
• Can a person receive the Award more than once?
  There is no bar on receiving the Award a second time on a subsequent occasion.
• Who is excluded?
  Those already awarded for the same act and personnel from Armed Forces, Police, recognized fire services, or government servants acting within their duty.
• Can an individual self-nominate?
  No; nominations are made through State Governments or UT Administrations.
• How many nominees can be recommended from a State/UT?
  There is no fixed limit; nominations are based on merit.

Sources & References

• Official Website
• Guidelines