National Awards for Outstanding Services in The Field of Prevention of Alcoholism And Substance (Drug) Abuse: Best Awareness Campaign is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It gives cash awards of ₹ 4,00,000 to institutions and organizations that have done the best work in spreading awareness against alcohol and drug abuse.
This is a recurring national honor. Awards are presented once in every two years, starting from 2016, on 26th June which marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The department keeps inviting nominations through the official National Awards Portal, so eligible institutions can apply whenever the next cycle is announced.
National Awards for Outstanding Services in The Field of Prevention of Alcoholism And Substance (Drug) Abuse: Best Awareness Campaign
This scheme works as a public appreciation platform created by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to honor the untiring work of institutions and individuals who fight drug abuse. Through these awards the department encourages excellence in prevention work and in the rehabilitation of victims. Awards are generally given once in every two years for the most effective services in preventing the abuse of the following substances:
- Alcohol - It covers heavy and harmful drinking that leads to addiction and related health and social problems.
- Narcotic Drugs - These include substances such as opium, heroin and other narcotics controlled under law.
- Psychotropic Substances - These are mind-affecting drugs that are regulated because they can cause dependence.
- Other Addictive Substances - This line covers cough syrups, correction fluid and similar products, leaving out tobacco and its products.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction. It coordinates and monitors all parts of drug abuse prevention, from judging the size of the problem to preventive action, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. The Ministry gives community-based services for finding, treating and rehabilitating addicts through voluntary organizations. The awards are conferred in New Delhi, usually by the President or Prime Minister of India.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Awards for Outstanding Services in The Field of Prevention of Alcoholism And Substance (Drug) Abuse: Best Awareness Campaign |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Eligible People | Government Organisation, Institution, NGO |
| Cash Award | ₹ 4,00,000 plus citation and memento |
| Application Mode | Online through National Awards Portal |
Benefits
The chosen awardees receive a citation, a memento and a cash award of ₹ 4,00,000. A total of seven awards are presented, with one winner in each category. Since the ceremony is held in New Delhi, the Central Government pays for boarding, lodging and travel of the winner and one companion so they can attend comfortably.
The award brings national recognition to the organization and its work. It also sets an example for other institutions to start similar awareness and de-addiction work in their areas.
Eligibility
This recognition is open to all Indian institutions and organizations in the Best Awareness Campaign category, apart from educational institutions. It is not restricted on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or creed. Self-nominations are not accepted, and a nominee must be recommended in writing by an authorized agency such as a state government, regional resource training center, CII or FICCI, or a district collector.
An organization that has already received this award will not be considered again for the next three award cycles. For the Best Awareness Campaign category the organization should show a record of public education work, cost-effective campaign methods that reached a wide audience, steady coverage of addiction issues through media and community outreach, and a clear workplace policy that keeps employees away from alcohol and drugs.
Application Process
The agencies or persons allowed to nominate and recommend must submit the application of the chosen institution online through the National Awards Portal. The application should be filled in Hindi or English only. A screening committee reviews the achievements of every nominee, and then a national selection committee approves the final awardees, one in each category.
STEP 1 - Go to the official National Awards Portal at https://awards.gov.in/ and open the section for national awards nominations.
STEP 2 - Find the scheme for National Awards for Outstanding Services in Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse and select the Best Awareness Campaign category.
STEP 3 - Fill the prescribed nomination proforma with the details of the recommending agency and the nominee, and upload the required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the application online and keep a copy or reference number. The screening and national selection committees will then review the nomination before the awards are announced.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying through the National Awards Portal.
For Individuals:
- Identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport or driving license, along with the date of birth certificate.
- Educational and professional qualification records, including passing certificates and marksheets.
- Proof of work in the de-addiction field, such as publications, articles, research and details of earlier awards.
- A clear account of the contribution and achievements in awareness generation, prevention, treatment and training.
For Organizations:
- Registration certificate, Memorandum of Association and proof of the organization category such as NGO, PSU or private company.
- Address proof and the minutes of general body meetings held in the last five years.
- Audited balance sheets, annual reports, and records of projects run in the field of alcohol and drug use.
References
Official Guidelines PDF | Application Manual PDF | Official Scheme Page
You can also read about the related National Awards for Best Educational Institution in Drug Abuse Prevention on this site.
FAQ's
How often is this award presented?
The awards are presented once in every two years, starting from 2016, on 26th June which is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Can an entity self-nominate for this award?
No. Self-nominations are not considered. The nominee must be recommended in writing by an authorized agency such as a state government or district collector.
Are there any priority groups for this award?
No. The awards are open to all Indian institutions and organizations without any discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or creed.
Which ministry runs this scheme?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction and it runs this scheme.
What does the award package include?
The winner receives a citation, a memento and a cash prize of ₹ 4,00,000, and the Central Government pays for travel and accommodation for the winner and one companion.