Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Why in News?

Recently, nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), has been opened.

• It is India’s highest civilian honour for children.
• Purpose – Encourages children to strive for excellence beyond academics, including personal conduct and social contribution.
• Conferred by – President of India on Veer Bal Diwas (26th December) annually.

Veer Bal Diwas links contemporary youth excellence with the legacy of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, sons of Guru Gobind Singh, martyred at ages 9 and 7 in 1704.

• Commenced in – 2019.
• 6 Categories – Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science & Technology.

Eligibility

• Age – 5 to 18 years (as on July 31 of award year).
• Citizenship – Must be Indian citizen and resident.
• Condition – Achievement must have occurred within 2 years of nomination deadline.
• Nomination – By individuals, institutions, self‑nomination, or recommendations from government authorities (Ministers, CMs, Governors, MPs, District Magistrates, etc.).
  • Exclusion – Not conferred posthumously, except in rare cases.

Selection Process

• Committee – Chaired by the Secretary of Ministry of Women and Child Development, along with domain experts.
• Final approval – The Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
• Award Components – Medal, Certificate, Citation presented by the President of India.
  • Awards must be received in person; in posthumous cases, guardians may accept.

Reference

PIB | PMRBP