Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism: Application, prize of ₹1,00,000

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The Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, inaugurated the “Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism” as a prominent category. For his sports and games services in Odisha, former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik is honored by this award. It honors Odisha journalists for their dedication to sports and sportspeople’s rights.

Benefits

  1. Cash Award: ₹1,00,000/-
  2. Additional Honors:
    • A statue.
    • A scroll of honor.
    • A blazer with a tie.
  3. Travel Allowance (T.A.) and Daily Allowance (D.A.):
    • Awardees invited to the award ceremony are entitled to T.A. and D.A. at the rate admissible to a Grade ‘A’ Officer.

Eligibility

  1. Residency:
    • The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
  2. Professional Requirements:
    • Must be a sports journalist, including:
      • Sports reporters or journalists of daily newspapers/magazines.
      • Accredited journalists, as defined under Odisha Press Accreditation Rules, 1994.
      • Freelance reporters in print or electronic media operating in Odisha.
      • Photo journalists or cameramen-cum-correspondents associated with newspapers, news agencies, or TV units.
  3. Contributions:
    • Significant work in promoting and popularizing sports and advocating for sportspersons’ causes in Odisha.
  4. Legal Considerations:
    • The applicant must not have been convicted of any criminal offense.
  5. One-Time Award:
    • The award can be conferred on a person only once in their lifetime in this category.
  6. Posthumous Awards:
    • Can be awarded posthumously to the next of kin of the awardee.

Exclusions

  1. Individuals found guilty of using drugs or banned substances for performance enhancement are not eligible.
  2. The award may be annulled if obtained by fraudulent means, and the awardee will be required to return the award money with 5% simple interest.

Application Process

Offline Application Steps:

  1. Advertisement:
    • Notifications are issued in January each year, with the prescribed application format available on the department’s website.
  2. Form Collection:
    • Applicants can download the form from the official website or collect it from:
      • Office of the District Collector.
      • District Sports Officer (DSO).
      • Superintendent of Police (SP).
      • Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).
      • Odisha Council of Sports.
      • Sports & Youth Services Department.
  3. Form Completion:
    • Fill out the application form accurately.
    • Attach all necessary supporting documents (self-attested).
  4. Submission:
    • Applications can be submitted by the applicant or forwarded through the Collector, SP, DSO, NYKS, or the Odisha Council of Sports to the Sports & Youth Services Department.
  5. Acknowledge Receipt:
    • Obtain an acknowledgment receipt with details such as submission date and unique identification number.

Scrutiny and Selection

  1. Scrutiny Committee:
    • A five-member scrutiny committee, chaired by the Director-cum-Addl. Secretary of Sports and Youth Services, examines applications and submits recommendations to the selection committee.
  2. Selection Committee:
    • An eight-member committee, chaired by the Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, finalizes awardees for government approval at the Ministerial level.

Timeline

  1. Advertisement Release: By January 31.
  2. Application Submission Deadline: By March 31.
  3. Scrutiny and Selection: By May 31.
  4. Award Ceremony: On August 29 (National Sports Day).

Documents Required

  1. Identity Proof.
  2. Three Passport-Sized Photographs.
  3. Proof of Residence.
  4. Accreditation Certificate (if applicable).
  5. Sports Reporting Documentation:
    • Details of state, national, and international sports competitions covered.
    • Profiles of sportspersons covered.
    • Supporting documents or articles.
  6. Documentary Evidence:
    • Proof supporting claims for the award.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the “Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism”?
It is a recognition for journalists who significantly contribute to the promotion and popularization of sports and advocate for the rights of sportspersons in Odisha.

2. Who is eligible under the Sports Journalist category?
Sports reporters, accredited journalists, freelance reporters, and photo journalists operating in Odisha are eligible.

3. Can the award be given posthumously?
Yes, the award can be given posthumously to the next of kin of the awardee.

4. What is the cash award for this scheme?
The cash award is ₹1,00,000/-, along with additional recognitions like a statue, blazer, tie, and scroll of honor.

5. Is there any assurance that the award will be given every year?
No, the award is subject to the availability of suitable candidates. If no eligible candidates are found, the award will not be given that year.

6. How can applicants apply for this award?
Applications can be submitted offline by downloading the application form or collecting it from designated offices and submitting it to the Sports & Youth Services Department.

7. What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit identity proof, photographs, accreditation certificates (if applicable), and supporting documentation of their contributions to sports journalism.

8. Can an individual receive the award more than once?
No, the award can only be conferred on an individual once in their lifetime.

9. How is the award money handled in case of multiple recipients?
If more than one person is selected for the award, the cash award is shared equally among the recipients.

Sources and References

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