The “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award is a prestigious honor instituted by the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Government of Goa. Established in 2015 and presented on Independence Day (15th August) each year, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness in protecting and supporting women and girls. These individuals have gone beyond the call of duty to aid victims of violence, attack, or harassment in various settings—be it at home, in the workplace, or in public—and have actively contributed to promoting respect and dignity for women in Goan society.
Benefits
- Cash Prize:
Each awardee receives a cash prize of ₹20,000/-. - Decoration:
Awardees are presented with a scroll/citation and a Silver Krol Citation. - Regional Distribution:
A total of 2 awards are conferred each year, covering two recipients from different regions within the state.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Exceptional Courage:
Must have demonstrated exceptional courage in adverse circumstances by coming to the aid, protecting, or supporting victims of violence, harassment, or attack against women and girls. - Impact:
Should have actively contributed to creating a safer environment for women and upholding their dignity in society. - Residency:
Must be a resident of Goa for at least the last 5 years as of 1st January of the respective year or have worked in the state for at least two years. - Age Requirement:
Applicants must be above 25 years of age as of 1st January of the respective year. - Award Exclusivity:
Applicants must not have received any other award in the same field during the same year. - Open to All Professions:
The award is open to individuals from any walk of life—be it Police Officers, Doctors, Lawyers, Social Workers, Teachers, Tourist Guides, or even bus, taxi, or auto drivers. - No Self-Nominations:
Self-nominations are not permitted, and canvassing for the award will lead to disqualification. - Residency:
Only permanent residents of Goa are eligible; individuals residing outside Goa cannot apply.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Form Completion:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the prescribed application form.
- Paste a recent passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Attach all required self-attested documents.
- Submission:
- Submit the completed and signed application form along with the necessary documents at the Office of the Directorate of Women & Child Development, located at:
Old Education Building, 2nd Floor, 18th June Road, Panaji, Goa – 403001.
- Submit the completed and signed application form along with the necessary documents at the Office of the Directorate of Women & Child Development, located at:
- Acknowledgment:
- Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of your submission, which should include the date, time, and a unique identification number.
Helpdesk:
For any queries regarding the application process, contact the Directorate at Phone No. 2235308/2426112 during office hours.
Documents Required
- Passport-Size Photograph:
Duly attested by a Gazetted Officer. - Proof of Identity:
(e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID). - Life Sketch:
A brief resume in the prescribed format (Annexure-A), including age, qualification, etc. - Supporting Evidence:
Press clippings, certificates of appreciation, and photographs evidencing the applicant’s contributions. - Residential Certificate:
Proof of residence in Goa. - Bank Details:
Bank account number, bank name, branch, and IFSC code. - Soft Copy of the Application:
A CD in Word (.doc/.docx) format containing the completed application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible to receive the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Individuals from any profession who have demonstrated exceptional courage and selfless service in protecting and supporting women and girls in Goa are eligible. -
Can individuals who have received other awards in different fields apply?
Yes, as long as they have not received any award in the same field during the same year. -
Is there any age limit for the applicants?
Applicants must be above 25 years of age as of 1st January of the respective year. -
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include a passport-size photograph (attested), proof of identity, a brief life sketch in the prescribed format, supporting press clippings/certificates, a residential certificate, and bank account details. -
How can an individual apply for the award?
Applicants must complete the prescribed application form and submit it along with the required documents at the Directorate of Women & Child Development, Panaji. -
What are the benefits of receiving the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” Award?
Awardees receive a cash prize of ₹20,000/- along with a scroll/citation and a Silver Krol Citation. -
Can self-nominations be made for this award?
No, self-nominations are not allowed; nominations must come through appropriate channels. -
Can organizations or groups apply for the award?
No, the award is strictly for individual recognition. -
Is there a specific deadline for submitting applications?
Applications must be submitted as per the timeline announced by the Directorate, usually leading up to the Independence Day ceremony on 15th August. -
Are the “RAKSHAK PURASKARS” awards open to both men and women?
Yes, the awards are open to all eligible individuals regardless of gender. -
Can individuals residing outside Goa apply?
No, only permanent residents of Goa are eligible. -
Can recipients use the cash prize for any purpose?
Yes, the cash prize is provided as a token of appreciation and may be used at the discretion of the awardee.