Since 1969, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has annually conferred the National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals with disabilities as well as institutions actively engaged in their empowerment. In addition, the awards also honor exemplary efforts in implementing the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan – a drive to create barrier-free environments in public spaces across States, Union Territories, and Districts.
The awards are presented on December 3rd—International Day of Persons with Disabilities—at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, by the Hon’ble President or the Hon’ble Vice President of India. Awardees also receive support for travel, lodging, and daily allowances comparable to those of a Class-I Central Government officer.
Award Categories
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National Awards for Individual Excellence:
Recognizes persons with disabilities who have excelled in various domains including sports, arts, literature, education, public affairs, social work, science, technology, medicine, and industry. -
National Awards for Institutions Engaged in Empowering Persons with Disabilities:
Honors organizations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions in promoting and facilitating the empowerment of persons with disabilities through innovative programs, inclusive education, rehabilitation, and employment initiatives. -
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Award:
Conferred for exemplary work in implementing the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan by creating a barrier-free environment. This includes making public buildings accessible with proper facilities such as ramps, tactile guidance, accessible toilets, audio-visual signage, and other mobility-enhancing features.
Benefits
- Decoration:
Awardees are presented with a Certificate and a Shield as a mark of honor and recognition. - Travel and Accommodation:
- Boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one escort are borne by the Department.
- To-and-fro travel expenses and accommodation (for one day before and after the ceremony) are reimbursed.
- TA/DA for awardees and escorts is equivalent to that of a Class-I Central Government officer.
Presentation of Awards
- Ceremony Venue:
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. - Date:
December 3rd every year (International Day of Persons with Disabilities). - Presenters:
The awards are presented by the Hon’ble President or Hon’ble Vice President of India.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility of institutions and individuals is assessed based on multiple parameters with assigned weightages:
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For Institutions (Barrier-Free Environment):
- Criteria 1 (15% Weightage):
Number of public buildings in the state made accessible from funds under the Accessible India Campaign. - Criteria 2 (15% Weightage):
Financial support provided (cost estimates sent and funds disbursed for retrofitting buildings). - Criteria 3 (30% Weightage):
Details of retrofitting including accessible parking, tactile guidance, ramps, lifts, audio-visual signage, accessible toilets, etc. - Criteria 4 (20% Weightage):
Overall number of buildings made accessible using state funds and other initiatives. - Criteria 5 (20% Weightage):
Any additional assessment parameters as devised by the Screening Committee to facilitate short-listing.
- Criteria 1 (15% Weightage):
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For Individuals:
- Recognition is based on their exceptional contributions in their respective fields as well as the impact of their work in empowering other persons with disabilities.
Application Process
Online Process
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Call for Applications:
- The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announces the opening of the National Awards Portal and the application period via advertisements in newspapers and on the department’s website.
- The application period typically runs from 15th June to 31st July.
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Registration:
- Visit the National Awards Portal at www.awards.gov.in.
- Click on “Register” at the top right of the homepage.
- Fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk), check the declaration checkboxes, complete the Captcha, and click “Submit”.
- Login credentials will be sent to the registered mobile number.
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Application Submission:
- Login to the portal and select “National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” from the list of awards.
- Click on “Nominate / Apply Now”.
- Complete the online application form by filling in all required details and uploading supporting documents.
- Submit the application form.
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Post-Submission:
- Applicants can track the status of their application online through the portal.
- Final selections are made by a National Selection Committee after thorough review, verification, and evaluation.
Documents Required
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For Institutions:
- Certificate of Registration (indicating the year of establishment).
- Proof of Address (for communication).
- Documentation demonstrating the nature of work undertaken (e.g., project reports, audit reports).
- Certificates, appreciation letters, or other evidence of special or outstanding achievements in the field (with details of awards or honors received, including name, conferring agency, and year).
- Any additional achievements or documents that support the application.
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For Individuals:
- Relevant certificates and documentation of achievements in the field.
- Identification documents and any additional evidence of contributions to the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was the “National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” first introduced?
The awards have been conferred annually since 1969. -
What are the objectives of these awards?
The awards aim to recognize and honor the exceptional contributions of persons with disabilities and the institutions that empower them, promote a barrier-free environment, and foster a culture of excellence. -
When were the guidelines for these awards last revised?
(Refer to the official website for the most recent revision date.) -
On which date are the awards conferred?
The awards are conferred on 3rd December every year, in line with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. -
Who confers these awards?
The awards are presented by the Hon’ble President or the Hon’ble Vice President of India. -
What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
(Refer to the official website or the award guidelines for the exact address.) -
How many categories are there in these awards?
There are multiple categories, including awards for individual excellence and for institutions engaged in empowering persons with disabilities, along with the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan award for creating a barrier-free environment. -
Will the to-and-fro travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, travelling and accommodation expenses (including for one escort) are reimbursed as per the scheme guidelines. -
What is the URL of the National Awards Portal?
www.awards.gov.in -
Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
The application form is available in Hindi and English only. -
Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF can be downloaded from the official National Awards Portal. -
Who are authorized to nominate an institution for this award?
Any State/UT/Autonomous Body, PSU, or nongovernmental organization registered under the Trust Act/Society Act/Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, can nominate institutions. -
Does this scheme accept offline applications?
No, applications are accepted online only. -
Where can I find the PDF of the Call for Applications?
It is available on the official National Awards Portal during the application period. -
Can a person submit his/her nomination in physical form or soft copy directly to the department?
No, nominations must be submitted exclusively through the online portal. -
Are nominations for two or more award categories permissible?
(Refer to the official guidelines for specific details on multiple category nominations.) -
Where can I find the PDF of the Scheme FAQs?
The Scheme FAQs are available on the National Awards Portal. -
How do I upload a document in the online application form?
Documents can be uploaded by following the on-screen instructions on the portal; ensure that files comply with the required format and size restrictions. -
Why am I not able to upload more than one document in the supporting documents section?
(Ensure that file sizes and types meet the specified criteria; refer to the FAQ section on the portal for troubleshooting.) -
Are the Scheme FAQs also available in Hindi?
Yes, the FAQs are available in both Hindi and English. -
Can I edit my nomination details after I have already filled them?
Yes, the portal typically allows editing of nomination details before final submission; check the portal instructions. -
Is submission of a photo mandatory for the individual excellence category?
Yes, submission of a recent photograph is mandatory.