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Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship For Academic Excellence 2026

The Rakshak Puraskars Award by the Goa Government honors individuals who have displayed extraordinary bravery in protecting Read More... women and girls from violence, attack, or harassment. Read less

Details

In a bid to recognize and celebrate remarkable acts of bravery, the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Government of Goa, instituted the 'Rakshak Puraskars' Award. This prestigious award has been presented annually on Independence Day, August 15th, since 2015.

What Is This Scheme?

The Rakshak Puraskars Award is given to two individuals each year. It's for those who have shown exceptional courage, especially in tough situations. They are recognized for going above and beyond their duty to help, protect, or assist victims of any kind of violence, attack, or harassment against women and girls. This applies whether it's at home, work, or in public spaces. The award also celebrates individuals who uphold respect and dignity for women in society within Goa.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This award is for any resident of Goa or someone who has worked in the state and has demonstrated outstanding courage and commitment to protecting women and girls. It's a way to acknowledge the everyday heroes among us.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The Rakshak Puraskars Award serves as a powerful message, encouraging everyone to show respect and uphold the dignity of women in society. By highlighting such courageous acts, the award aims to inspire more people to step forward and contribute to a safer and more respectful environment for women and girls in Goa.

Objective

The Rakshak Puraskars Award by the Goa Government honors individuals who have displayed extraordinary bravery in protecting women and girls from violence, attack, or harassment.

Benefits

  • E1: Family gross annual income less than 8 Lakh
  • (i). Tuition Fees and Bench fee: Max 50 lakh

    (ii). Living Expenses: 12 Lakh Rupees.

    (iii). One-time advance of Rs 3 Lakh to candidates who will start their course after application on the portal (adjusted against living expenses).

  • E2: Family gross annual income 8 – 25 Lakh
  • (i). Tuition Fees and Bench fee: Max 50 lakh

    (ii). Living Expenses: 6 Lakh Rupees

  • E3: Family gross annual income above 25 Lakh
  • (i). Tuition Fees and Bench fee: Max 50 lakh

    (ii). No Living Expenses

    Sources and references

    Eligibility Criteria

    1. The applicant must have demonstrated exceptional courage, especially in adverse circumstances, in aiding, protecting, or helping victims of any form of violence, attack, or harassment against women and girls. This includes actions taken at home, in the workplace, or in public, showing respect and dignity towards women in Goan society.
    2. Anyone can apply, including Police Officers, Doctors, Lawyers, Public Prosecutors, Social Workers, Teachers, Tourist Guides, Lifeguards, Bus Drivers, Taxi Drivers, Auto Drivers, and individuals from any other background.
    3. The applicant must have been a resident of Goa for at least the last 05 years as of January 1st of the award year, or have worked in the state for a minimum of two years.
    4. Individuals who have already received an award in the same field during the same year are not eligible.
    5. The applicant must be 25 years of age or older as of January 1st of the award year.

    How To Apply

    1. Fill out the application form in the prescribed format.
    2. Affix a passport-sized photograph and get it duly attested by a Gazetted Officer.
    3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
    4. Submit the application along with a CD containing the soft copy of the application in Word format (.doc/.docx).
    5. The complete application should be submitted to the Office of the Directorate of Women & Child Development, Panaji, Goa.
    6. For the specific application format and further details, please refer to Annexure- A.

    Documents Required

    • Passport Size Photograph (Duly Attested by a Gazetted Officer)
    • Proof of Identity
    • Soft Copy of the Application (a CD in Word (.doc/.docx) Format)
    • A brief life sketch of the individual (including age, qualification, etc.) in the prescribed format as Annexure- A.
    • Press clippings, certificates, appreciation letters received, and photographs, if any.
    • Residential Certificate
    • Bank Details (Bank Account Number, Name of the Bank, Bank Branch, and IFSC Code)

    FAQ’s

    Can I apply if I've already received an award in a different area this year?

    Yes, you can apply for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award even if you've received an award in a different field. However, you cannot have received an award in the *same* field during the current year.

    What professions are eligible for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    The award is open to individuals from all walks of life. This includes, but isn't limited to, Police Officers, Doctors, Lawyers, Social Workers, Teachers, Tourist Guides, Lifeguards, Bus Drivers, Taxi Drivers, and Auto Drivers, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

    How many "Rakshak Puraskars" awards are given out each year?

    Each year, two deserving individuals are honored with the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award.

    Is there a minimum age requirement to apply for this award?

    Yes, applicants must be at least 25 years old as of January 1st of the year they are applying.

    What is the purpose behind the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    The award's main goal is to recognize people who show exceptional courage in helping and protecting women and girls from violence or harassment. It also aims to promote respect and dignity for women throughout Goa.

    Can an organization or a group be nominated for this award?

    No, the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award is strictly for individuals. Organizations or groups are not eligible.

    What benefits can awardees expect from the "Rakshak Puraskars"?

    Winners of the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award receive a scroll or citation and a cash prize of ₹20,000 each.

    Who is considered eligible to win the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    You're eligible if you've shown outstanding bravery in assisting victims of violence or harassment against women and girls. You must be a Goa resident for at least 5 years or have worked in Goa for 2 years, be over 25 years old, and not have received a similar award in the same year.

    Can someone nominate themselves for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    Yes, self-nominations are accepted, as are nominations by others, as long as the individual meets all the necessary eligibility criteria.

    If I live outside Goa, can I still apply for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    No, the award is for those who have made a difference within the State of Goa. You must either be a resident of Goa for the past 5 years or have worked in the state for at least two years.

    Is there a fee to apply for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    The available information does not mention any application fee for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award.

    What is the process for selecting awardees?

    Applications are reviewed based on the applicant's documented acts of exceptional courage and assistance to victims of violence or harassment against women and girls. A selection committee typically makes the final decision.

    Are both men and women eligible for the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award?

    Absolutely! The "Rakshak Puraskars" Award is open to both men and women who meet the specified eligibility criteria.

    Does the award ceremony have a specific format?

    Details on the specific format of the award ceremony aren't provided, but it's typically held on Independence Day, August 15th, by the Directorate of Women & Child Development to honor the recipients.

    Can the cash prize from the "Rakshak Puraskars" Award be used for any purpose?

    The ₹20,000 cash prize is meant to acknowledge the recipient's significant contributions. While there are usually no strict rules on its usage, it's encouraged to be used in a way that aligns with the award's spirit of courage and service.

    What specific documents are needed to apply?

    You'll need a Gazetted Officer-attested passport-sized photo, proof of identity, a soft copy of your application on CD (Word format), a brief life sketch (as per Annexure-A), any supporting press clippings or certificates, a Residential Certificate, and your bank account details.

    How do I submit my application for the award?

    To apply, you need to fill out the application form, attach all required documents (including an attested photo), and submit it to the Office of the Directorate of Women & Child Development in Panaji, Goa.

    Is there a deadline for submitting applications?

    The application deadline can vary each year. It's best to check with the Directorate of Women & Child Development or their official announcements for the current year's deadline.

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