‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar:’Govt’s New Set Of National Awards For Science, Technology & Innovation

New Delhi: In a transformative step to recognise the achievements of the scientific community at the highest level, the Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’’.

The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognise the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology and technology­ led innovation, according to an official statement.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India. Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organisations or any individual working outside any organisation, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led innovation shall be eligible for the awards. People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society will also be eligible for the awards. The awards will be given in the following four categories:

1. Vigyan Ratna (VR) lifetime achievements & contributions made in any field of science and technology.
2. Vigyan Shri (VS) distinguished contribution in any field of science and technology.
3. Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) will recognise & encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
4. Vigyan Team (VT) to be given to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

Scientists, technologists, and innovators working in any field of science in government or private organisations who have contributed or carried out path-breaking research, technology-led innovation, or discovery in any field of science or development of innovative technologies/products having significant societal impact shall be eligible for the award.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will be given in 13 domains, – Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others. The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity, will be ensured.

The nominations will be placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) to be headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Government of India and comprising Secretaries of Science Departments, members of Science and Engineering Academies and some distinguished scientists and technologists from different fields of science and technology.

The nominations for this bouquet of awards will be invited every year on January 14 every year and remain open till February 28 (National Science Day). These awards will be announced on May 11 (National Technology Day) every year. The Award Ceremony will be held on August 23 (National Space Day). All Awards will have a Sanad & a medal.