The National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities have been a prestigious annual recognition by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment since 1969. These awards honor the outstanding skills and contributions of persons with disabilities as well as individuals and institutions engaged in their empowerment. Additionally, the Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Placement Agency award acknowledges the exceptional performance of placement agencies that facilitate employment for persons with disabilities, excluding those run by government or local bodies.
Benefits
- Recognition and Decoration: Awardees receive a Certificate and a Shield.
- National Prestige: The awards highlight the contributions of individuals and institutions on a national platform.
- Travel & Accommodation Support: Awardees and one escort receive boarding and lodging expenses, with to-and-fro travel and additional accommodation support reimbursed by the department.
- TA/DA Benefits: Awardees and their escorts are entitled to travel allowances equivalent to those of a Class-I Central Government officer.
Eligibility
- For the Placement Agency Award:
Award is given to outstanding placement agencies, regardless of whether they belong to a government organization, public sector undertaking, autonomous body, local government body, or a private/non-governmental organization. - Selection Criteria for Placement Agencies:
- At least 50% of registered unemployed disabled persons placed in employment in the last five years with a minimum of 30% women placed (20% weightage).
- Total number of persons with disabilities placed (10% weightage).
- Outstanding follow-up and support provided over the last five years (25% weightage).
- Dropout rate of employees not exceeding 20% per year (15% weightage).
- Balanced placement across all disability categories (10% weightage).
- Additional assessment parameters as determined by the Screening Committee (20% weightage).
Application Process
Online Application
- Call for Applications:
- The Ministry announces the opening of the National Awards Portal and the submission period via newspapers and the department’s website.
- Applications are accepted only through the centralized portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs at www.awards.gov.in from 15th June to 31st July.
- Registration:
- Visit the National Awards Portal and click “Register” at the top right.
- Complete the registration form by filling in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk), check the declaration boxes, enter the Captcha code, and submit.
- Login credentials are sent to your registered mobile number.
- Application Submission:
- Log in using your credentials.
- Select “National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” from the list of awards and click “Nominate / Apply Now.”
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form (applications must be in Hindi or English) and submit.
- Further Processing:
- The applications are screened and forwarded by designated committees through several stages including screening, appraisal, and final selection.
Documents Required
- Certificate of Registration: Showing the Year of Establishment.
- Proof of Address: For communication purposes.
- Proofs of Nature of Work Undertaken: By the institution or placement agency.
- Awards & Achievements: Certificates or appreciation letters (at international, national, state, district, or organizational levels) with details of awards or honors received, including justification.
- Other Supporting Documents: Any additional achievement documents as required by the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When was the “National Award For The Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities” first introduced?
A1: The awards have been conferred annually since 1969.
Q2: What are the objectives of these awards?
A2: The awards aim to recognize and promote the skills, contributions, and empowerment initiatives of persons with disabilities, as well as to honor institutions and placement agencies that support their employment and overall development.
Q3: When were the guidelines for these awards last revised?
A3: Please refer to the latest update on the official guidelines available on the National Awards Portal.
Q4: On which date are the National Awards conferred?
A4: The awards are conferred on December 3rd, which is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Q5: Who confers these awards?
A5: The awards are presented by the Hon’ble President or the Hon’ble Vice President of India.
Q6: What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
A6: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi is the venue for the award ceremony; detailed address information is available on the official website.
Q7: How many award categories are there?
A7: There are two main categories—National Awards for Individual Excellence and National Awards for Institutions Engaged in Empowering Persons with Disabilities—as well as a separate award for the best placement agency.
Q8: Will the to-and-fro travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
A8: Yes, the boarding, lodging, travel, and accommodation expenses are reimbursed as per the guidelines.
Q9: What is the URL of the National Awards Portal?
A9: The National Awards Portal can be accessed at www.awards.gov.in.
Q10: Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
A10: Applications must be submitted in either Hindi or English.
Q11: Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
A11: The PDF of the scheme guidelines is available on the National Awards Portal and the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q12: Who is authorized to nominate an institution for this award?
A12: Nominations can be made by authorized officials as specified in the scheme guidelines; please refer to the official guidelines for detailed nomination criteria.
Q13: Does this scheme accept offline applications?
A13: No, all applications must be submitted online via the National Awards Portal.
Q14: Can a person submit his/her nomination in physical form or soft copy directly to the department?
A14: No, nominations must be submitted online only.
Q15: Are nominations for two or more award categories permissible?
A15: Applicants may only submit one nomination per award category as per the guidelines.
Q16: How do I upload a document in the online application form?
A16: The portal provides instructions for uploading documents; ensure that files adhere to the specified format and size restrictions.
Q17: Why am I not able to upload more than one document in the supporting documents section?
A17: The portal may have a limit; please consult the FAQs on the portal for guidance on document uploads.
Q18: Are the scheme FAQs available in Hindi as well?
A18: Yes, the FAQs are available in both Hindi and English on the portal.
Q19: Can I edit my nomination details after submission?
A19: Nomination details may be edited before the final submission deadline as per the portal guidelines.
Q20: Is submission of a photo mandatory for any category of individual excellence?
A20: Yes, submission of a photo is mandatory as specified in the guidelines.