Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)

Overview

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India's premier national award recognizing exceptional children who demonstrate extraordinary courage, creativity, resilience, and public-spirited achievements.

Key Facts

  • Age Group: Children aged 5 to 18 years
  • Inception: Started in 2019
  • Presiding Authority: Conferred annually by the President of India in New Delhi
  • Ceremony Date: Veer Bal Diwas, 26 December
  • Annual Recipients: Around 25 children selected each year
  • Award Components: Medal, certificate, and citation
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development
  • Selection Process: Expert committee-based selection

Significance of Veer Bal Diwas

The award is presented on Veer Bal Diwas, which commemorates the martyrdom of:

  • Sahibzada Zorawar Singh
  • Sahibzada Fateh Singh

These were the two young sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who displayed exceptional courage and devotion.

Award Categories

The PMRBP recognizes achievements across six categories:

  1. Bravery - Acts of courage in adverse situations
  2. Social Service - Contributions to community welfare
  3. Environment - Efforts in environmental conservation
  4. Sports - Excellence in sporting activities
  5. Art and Culture - Achievements in arts and cultural domains
  6. Science and Technology - Innovations and achievements in STEM fields

Important Provisions

  • The award is generally not conferred posthumously, though exceptions may be made in special circumstances
  • A child may be nominated in multiple categories
  • The award aims to inspire children to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society

Constitutional/Policy Context

  • Ministry: Women and Child Development (nodal agency)
  • Selection: Expert committee ensures transparency and merit-based selection
  • Objective: Aligns with India's commitment to child welfare and development under various policy frameworks

UPSC Relevance

This topic is relevant for understanding:

  • Government schemes and awards for children
  • Constitutional provisions related to child welfare (Article 21A - Right to Education)
  • Ministry of Women and Child Development's role
  • Important days and their historical significance