• Thirty-two children have been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar this year for their exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments in the fields of innovation, scholastics, sports, arts, culture, social service and bravery.

• The ministry of women and child development said the awardees are from 32 districts of 21 states and Union Territories.

• Seven awards have been given in the field of art and culture, nine awards for innovation and five for scholastic achievements. Seven children have won in the sports category, three have been felicitated for bravery and one child has been honoured for her efforts in the field of social service.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was instituted to felicitate meritorious children, individuals and institutions of the country. These awards are given under two categories — Bal Shakti Puraskar and Bal Kalyan Puraskar.

Bal Shakti Puraskar

• The National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement was instituted in 1996 to give recognition to children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in the fields of innovation, scholastic achievements, social service, arts & culture and sports. 

• In 2018, the award was renamed as Bal Shakti Puraskar and achievements of children in the field of bravery are also acknowledged.

• The award carries a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, book vouchers worth Rs 10,000, a certificate and a citation.

• The awards are conferred before January 26, to ensure that children get to participate in the Republic Day Parade.

Bal Kalyan Puraskar

• The National Child Welfare Awards were instituted in 1979 to give recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of child development, child protection and child welfare. 

• In 2018, the award was renamed as Bal Kalyan Puraskar. 

• This award is given in two categories — Individual and Institution. 

• The award for an individual consists of a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a medal, a citation and a certificate to each awardee.

• The award for institution consists of a prize of Rs 5 lakh each and a medal, a citation and a certificate.

• Three awards are given in each of these two categories along with cash prizes.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store