The National Awards for Outstanding Services in the Field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India. The award recognizes and encourages institutions and individuals for their outstanding contributions in preventing alcoholism and substance (drug) abuse and rehabilitating victims.
Benefits
- Award Decoration: The awardee receives a Citation, Memento, and a Cash award of ₹5,00,000.
- Total Number of Awardees: 7 (one per category).
- Presentation of the Award:
- The President or Prime Minister of India confers the awards at a function held in New Delhi on June 26.
- Boarding and lodging expenses of awardees (including one companion) are covered by the Central Government.
- Travel and accommodation expenses (up to one day before and after the event) are arranged or reimbursed by the Central Government.
Eligibility Criteria
For the Award
- Open to all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals without discrimination based on religion, race, sex, caste, or creed.
- Self-nominations are not allowed. The nominee must be recommended by an authorized entity.
- An awardee cannot be nominated for the next three award cycles.
For Nominations
Rural or urban local bodies eligible for the award include:
- Panchayats (Village, Intermediate, and District levels under Article 243 of the Constitution).
- Municipalities (Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations under Article 243P of the Constitution).
- Cantonment Boards and Other Statutory Urban Local Bodies.
To be eligible, the nominee must have:
- Worked in the prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse for at least three years (Preference given to continuing institutions).
- Created awareness among schools, self-help groups, and communities.
- Implemented policies to establish alcohol or drug-free villages or towns.
- Engaged the community in drug abuse prevention policies.
- Addressed issues of stigma and discrimination while promoting rehabilitation.
- Taken action to reduce alcohol and drug availability (leading to model villages/towns).
- Offered treatment services or partnered with rehabilitation centers.
Agencies/Persons Authorized to Nominate
- Central Ministries, State Governments, UT Administrations (with approval from the Minister-in-charge or Chief Minister/Lt. Governor).
- Regional Resource and Training Centers (RRTCs) working in drug de-addiction.
- National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation (NCCDR) Members.
- Apex Chambers of Commerce (FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, etc.).
- Past Awardees.
- Educational and Research Institutions (UGC, AICTE, MCI, CBSE, NCERT, KVS, NVS, CSIR, NYKS, etc.).
- District Collectors, District Magistrates, and Commissioners (in whose jurisdiction the nominee operates).
Application Process
Online Application
- Authorized nominating agencies/persons must submit nominations online through the National Awards Portal, Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Applications must be in Hindi or English only.
Selection Process
- Screening Committee: Reviews nominees based on contributions.
- National Selection Committee: Finalizes one awardee per category.
Documents Required
For Individuals
- Identity Proof (Passport, Voter ID, Government ID, PAN Card, Driving License).
- Date of Birth Certificate.
- Educational Qualification Certificates.
- Professional Experience Details (posts held in relation to alcoholism/drug abuse prevention).
- Publications, books, or articles (if applicable).
- Proof of contribution and achievements.
- Details of previous awards/honors (if any).
- Description of work done in prevention, treatment, training, research, or advocacy.
For Institutes/Organizations
- Registration Certificate and Memorandum of Association.
- Category of Organization (IRCA, RRTC, NGO, PSU, Private Company).
- Proof of Address.
- Minutes of General Body Meetings (last five years).
- Annual Reports (last five years).
- Audited Balance Sheets (last five years).
- Publications, books, or articles.
- Details of previous honors/recognitions.
- Reports highlighting contributions to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation.
- Past projects funded by other agencies (last 10 years).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often is this award presented?
A: Once every two years.
Q: What achievements qualify for this award?
A: Outstanding services in the prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse.
Q: What are the objectives of the award?
A: To recognize and encourage excellence in prevention, rehabilitation, and awareness efforts.
Q: What is meant by “Other Addictive Substances”?
A: Substances excluding tobacco products, such as cough syrups, correction fluids, and psychotropic substances.
Q: Which is the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction?
A: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
Q: What are the responsibilities of the MoSJE?
A: Prevention, rehabilitation, treatment, public awareness, research, and policy implementation.
Q: When is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed?
A: June 26, as declared by the United Nations.
Q: Where can I find the official guidelines and application details?
A: The guidelines and user manual are available on the National Awards Portal, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q: Can an entity self-nominate for the award?
A: No, self-nominations are not allowed. Only authorized agencies can submit nominations.
Q: If an individual or institution has already won the award, when can they apply again?
A: They cannot apply for the next three award cycles.