The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India, recognizes excellence in the prevention of alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse through its biennial National Awards. The awards honor both institutions and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug users. This category specifically acknowledges the Best Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), which provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to alcoholics and drug users.
Objectives
- Encourage Excellence:
Recognize and incentivize effective and innovative practices in preventing substance abuse. - Promote Rehabilitation:
Support centres that offer integrated services in treatment, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. - Foster Public Awareness:
Enhance public education and advocacy to reduce stigma associated with substance abuse. - Strengthen Drug Demand Reduction:
Reinforce the Ministry’s role as the nodal agency in coordinating drug demand reduction activities across the country.
Benefits
- Decoration and Recognition:
Awardees receive a Citation and a Memento. - Financial Award:
A cash prize of ₹2,00,000/- is conferred. - Additional Support:
Awardees are eligible for reimbursement of boarding, lodging, and travel expenses (including one companion) during the award ceremony. - Prestige:
The award is presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister, enhancing the recipient’s profile nationally.
Eligibility
- Open to All:
The award is open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals working in the prevention of alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse, irrespective of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed. - Nomination Requirement:
Nominees must be recommended in writing by an authorized agency or individual. - Non Self-Nomination:
Self-nominations are not accepted. - Recurrent Award Exclusion:
An individual or organization awarded under this scheme cannot be considered for the National Award for the next three award cycles.
Nomination Process
- Authorized Nominators:
Nominations are submitted by designated agencies including:- Government Ministries or Departments and their autonomous organizations.
- State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.
- Regional Resource and Training Centres, members of the National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation, and renowned apex chambers (e.g., FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM).
- Past Awardees and other authorized entities such as universities, councils, and district officials.
- Submission:
The nomination must be submitted in the prescribed proforma online on the National Awards Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The application should be in Hindi or English.
Selection Process
- Screening Committee:
A Screening Committee scrutinizes the nominations for eligibility and achievement. - National Selection Committee:
A National Selection Committee, reviewing the recommendations of the Screening Committee, finalizes the awardees. One awardee is selected per category. - Criteria:
Primary considerations include the nominee’s outstanding contribution, innovation, and sustained impact in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse.
Documents Required
For Individuals:
- Identity Proof: Passport, Election ID, or other government-issued ID.
- Date of Birth Certificate.
- Educational Credentials: Passing certificate, mark sheets.
- Professional Experience: Details of posts held and the nature of work in the field.
- Publications/Media Coverage: Copies or details of any notable contributions.
- Awards/Honors Received: Documentation of previous recognitions.
- Contribution Details: Comprehensive report on achievements in awareness, prevention, treatment, training, research, or advocacy.
For Institutions/Organizations:
- Registration Documents: Certificate of Registration, Memorandum of Association.
- Organizational Proof: Documents proving the category (IRCA, RRTC, NGO, PSU, etc.).
- Address Proof.
- Minutes/Annual Reports: Minutes of general body meetings and annual reports for the last five years.
- Financial Documents: Audited balance sheets and annual accounts for the last five years.
- Publications and Honors: Copies of publications, books, and details of any awards or recognition.
- Project Documentation: Proof of projects in the field of alcohol and drug abuse undertaken in the past ten years, including details of financial support received from other agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How many times is this award presented?
The award is presented once every two years. -
For what achievements is this award conferred?
It is conferred for outstanding contributions in the prevention of alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse, including preventive action, treatment, rehabilitation, public education, and advocacy. -
What are the objectives of presenting this award?
The award aims to recognize excellence, promote effective interventions, and encourage innovation in the field of drug demand reduction. -
What is meant by “Other Addictive Substances”?
This includes addictive substances other than tobacco, such as certain cough syrups, correction fluids, etc. -
Which is the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment serves as the nodal ministry. -
Which day is declared as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?
June 26th is recognized as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. -
Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines and user manual?
The guidelines and user manual are available on the National Awards Portal and the Ministry’s official website. -
Who can become a nominee for this award?
Eligible nominees include institutions and individuals actively engaged in preventing alcoholism and substance abuse. -
Is there any preference given to a particular section of society?
The award is open to all; however, nominations are made by authorized agencies ensuring a broad and inclusive representation. -
Can an entity self-nominate for this award?
No, self-nominations are not accepted. -
Can the nominee put forward the nomination by itself?
No, the nomination must come from an authorized agency or person. -
When can an individual be considered again for the award?
If an individual or organization has been awarded, they are excluded from consideration for the next three award cycles.