Children to get national awards for exceptional feats

New Delhi, June 26: Children with exceptional abilities in academics, art, culture and sports will be given national awards by the government.

Children residing in India between the age of five and 18 years will be eligible for the 'National Child Award'. The Union government has sought nominations for 36 National Child Awards, equivalent to the number of states and union territories, to be given this year.

There will be one gold medal, a cash prize of 20,000 and book vouchers of Rs 10,000 besides a certificate and a citation. There will also be 35 silver medals, a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each, book vouchers of Rs 3,000 each and a certificate and a citation.

"Not more than two candidates shall be awarded from one state and union territory," said an official note. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has instituted the National Child Award to give due recognition to children with exceptional abilities and who have achieved outstanding status in various fields including academics, arts, culture, design and sports etc, it said.

The honour will recognise innovation in any field including design, scholastic achievements at national level (e.g. first position in mathematics in two successive years), and achievements in sports, arts, culture, social service and music, among others.

The awards will be announced on November 14, Children's Day, each year and will be given away in the national capital on a convenient date. All ministries have been asked to circulate the order seeking nominations for the awards.

PTI