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The Ministry of Women and Child Development has invited nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), India's highest civilian honour for children, recognising exceptional achievements in various fields.

About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)

• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India's premier national award instituted to honourchildren between the ages of 5 and 18 years who have demonstrated exceptional courage, innovation, talent, resilience, leadership, or outstanding service to society.
• Introduced in 2019, the award seeks to recognise young achievers who have made remarkable contributions in diverse fields and inspire other children to pursue excellence and nation-building.
• The award is presented annually by the President of India in New Delhi on 26 December, observed as Veer Bal Diwas.

Veer Bal Diwas

Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on 26 December to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who displayed extraordinary courage and steadfastness in the face of persecution.

Award Categories

The PMRBP recognises outstanding achievements in six categories:

• Bravery
• Social Service
• Environment
• Sports
• Art and Culture
• Science and Technology

Eligibility and Selection

The award is open to children aged between 5 and 18 years who have demonstrated exceptional achievements or acts of courage with a lasting social impact.

Children may be nominated in more than one category, although each achievement is evaluated separately. While the award is generally not conferred posthumously, exceptional cases may be considered.

An Expert Committee evaluates the nominations based on the significance, originality, impact, and excellence of the achievements.

Award Components

The award comprises:

• A Medal
• A Certificate
• A Citation

Approximately 25 children are selected every year for their outstanding accomplishments.

Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD)

The Ministry administers the award and oversees the nomination and selection process in consultation with the Expert Committee.

Objectives

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar aims to:

• Recognise exceptional achievements of children across diverse fields.
• Encourage innovation, creativity, courage, and leadership among young citizens.
• Inspire children to contribute positively to society and nation-building.
• Promote a culture of excellence, social responsibility, and public service.