Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually confers Second Utkrisht Sansthan Vishwakarma Award in 14 categories to the Institutions under AICTE on Vishwakarma Divas Celebration. 

The Utkrisht Sansthan Vishwakarma Award is being organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) since 2019, which aims to motivate, recognize and honor the AICTE approved institutions to raise their performance in the specific domain leading to significant contribution for the growth and development of the society. in order to motivate and honor technical institutions, AICTE under its Utkrisht Sansthan Vishwakarma Award (USVA) 2020 has proposed the theme of the year as “INDIA FIGHTS CORONA”.

More than 900 institutions were registered for the award this year. 535 applications were considered for the first round of evaluation. These applications were scrutinized by a Committee of experts nominated for the purpose of evaluation, who shortlisted 103 institutions under 14 categories for the next round of evaluation conducted at Regional Offices. Out of 103 institutions, 34 were selected for the awards.

The categories for Award are:

    • Awareness programs conducted for nearby locality

    • Counseling / Tele Support Provided

    • Material/Product - Manufactured/Developed (e.g. Mask, sanitizer, ventilator, etc.)

    • Materials/Product Distributed (e.g. Mask, sanitizer, soaps, food, clothes, medicine, study material, etc.)

    • Maintenance of Public Assets (Building /Equipment)

    • How innovatively you are conducting classes for students of your institution during lockdown period

    • Online Teaching Learning Program provided for nearby College/ School Students

    • Institutional Infrastructure/facility provided to authorities to combat COVID-19

    • Details of other support provided (visits, service, help extended to migrants, etc.)

    • Financial Contribution provided by your institution/ faculties/ students towards the relief fund

    • Helping Authorities in implementing their projects/schemes/initiatives against spread and prevention of COVID-19

    • Any other contribution against COVID-19

    • Post COVID-19 redevelopment/ rehabilitation plan

    • Overall Impact

In addition to Utkrishtha Sansthan Vishwakarma Awards, AICTE conducts AICTE Chhatra Vishwakarma Awards since 2017 for promoting innovative spirit and scientific temperament for holistic development of society through the stake holders of its approved institutes. By means of this competition, the innovations and achievements of individuals are recognized and applauded.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)