The year 1975, was celebrated as the International Women’s Year but the United Nations began to celebrate 8th March as the Internal Women’s Day every year. It is a great day that provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of women for the nation and recognize their contributions to the society.
Ministry of Women & Child Development celebrates International Women Day on 8th March every year. The significance of the International Women’s Day lies in our re-affirmation of improve the condition of women, especially those at the margins of our society and empower them to take rightful place in society.
Taking this as an opportune moment to acknowledge Women’s achievements, it has been decided by the Ministry in the year 2015, to confer Nari Shakti Puruskars to eminent women and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of women empowerment.
Guidelines have been revised from the Ministry of Women and Child Development for Women Awards for conferring on eminent women, organisations and institutions under the banner “Nari Shakti Puruskars”
From the year 2016, 20 Nari Shakti Puruskars shall be conferred every year on 8th March, on the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) the awards will be conferred. The Award in each category shall carry a Certificate and a cash amount.
Objectives:
These awards shall showcase the Government’s commitment towards women with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society. It will also provide an opportunity to the current generation to understand the contribution of women in building of society and the nation.
These awards would be conferred on eminent women and institutions rendering distinguished service to the cause of women especially belonging to the vulnerable and marginalized sections of the society.
The recipients would be drawn from institutions and individuals. The Ministry of Women & Child Development (herein after referred to as “ the Ministry) would invite nominations from the State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, concerned Central Ministries, Non-Governmental Organizations, Universities, Institutions, private and public sector undertakings (PSUs) working for empowerment of women.
Eligibility Criteria for Nomination
- The Puruskars are open to all Indian Institutions, organisations and individuals without any distinction or discrimination on ground of race, caste or creed.
- In case of Individual category, the awardee must be above 30 years of age on 1st January of the year for which the award is to be given. The applicant should have worked in the relevant field for at least last 5 years. Applicant should not have been a recipient earlier of the award (including Stree Shakti Puruskars).
AWARDS
Rani Rudramma Devi Awards for two District Panchayats and two Gram Panchayats : For their outstanding work towards women welfare especially on areas related to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) this award is Dedicated to the District/Gram Panchayats
Mata Jijabai Award for Best Urban Local body for providing services and facilities to women : For their outstanding work towards women welfare , this award is Presented to the municipal bodies/ corporations.It may be through urban local body’s own initiatives or through the Government flagship programme
Kannagi Devi Award for Best State which has appreciably improved Child Sex Ratio (CSR) : Presented to the State or Union Territories which has impacted the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) by highest point which will contribute to improvement in Child Sex Ratio (CSR)
Rani GaidinliuZeliang award for Best Civil Society organization (CSO) doing outstanding work for the welfare and well being of women : Allocated for CSOs doing exemplary work in the various fields such as awareness generation on issues relating to laws, health, work education etc. for women empowerment
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award for Best Private Sector organization/Public sector undertaking in promoting the well being and welfare of women : Presented to the Corporate Houses/PSUs addressing the problem of women either by providing gainful employment good health, education, providing enabling environment/safe spaces for women
Rani Lakshmibai Award for Best Institution for Research & Development in the field of women empowerment : Devoted for institutions with a record of outstanding contribution for women causes including work in the research and development (technology) and dissemination of knowledge in the various issues related to women
Award for Courage & Bravery : This Award is dedicated for woman who has shown exemplary courage and has set an example and achieved laurels in the face of diversity
Seven Awards for making outstanding contributions to women’s endeavour/community work/making a difference/women empowerment : Dedicated for women who have made exceptional contributions for women’s socio-economic empowerment, effective implementation of women related legislation, media, environment protection, art, culture, sports, Science & Technology, and Indian heritage
