National Awards For Outstanding Services In The Field Of Prevention Of Alcoholism And Substance (Drug) Abuse: Best Educational Institution Doing Outstanding Work In Awareness Generation And Prevention Of Alcoholism And Substance (Drug) Abuse

National Awards for Exceptional Contributions in Preventing Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

The “National Awards for Outstanding Services in the Field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse” is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India. This scheme aims to honor Institutions and Individuals dedicated to combating alcoholism and substance abuse through effective awareness generation and preventive measures.

Overview of the Scheme

This prestigious scheme acknowledges the significant efforts made by various stakeholders in the realm of drug and alcohol abuse prevention. Awards are bestowed biennially, starting from 2016, to recognize exemplary services in the following categories:

• Alcohol
• Narcotic Drugs
• Psychotropic Substances
• Other Addictive Substances (excluding tobacco and its derivatives, such as cough syrups and correction fluids)

As the principal ministry overseeing drug demand reduction, the MoSJE plays a vital role in coordinating and monitoring all facets of drug abuse prevention. This includes assessing the prevalence of substance abuse, implementing preventive actions, providing treatment, and facilitating rehabilitation for addicts. Community-based services are offered through voluntary organizations to address these pressing issues.

Benefits of the Scheme

Those selected for the awards receive the following:

• Citation
• Memento
• Cash Prize: ₹ 2,00,000

A total of seven awards are distributed, with one recipient in each category. The awards are presented during a formal ceremony held in New Delhi on June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Award Presentation Ceremony

The awards are conferred in a ceremony attended by high-profile dignitaries, including the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. The Central Government covers the travel and accommodation expenses for awardees and one companion, including arrangements for travel one day before and after the ceremony.

Prior to the announcement of the awards, consent from prospective awardees or institutions is obtained to ensure their willingness to accept the recognition.

Eligibility Criteria

The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations, and Individuals, with no discrimination based on religion, race, gender, caste, or creed. The following points outline the eligibility requirements:

• Nominations must be made in writing by an authorized individual.
• Self-nominations will not be accepted.
• Awardees cannot be considered again for the next three awards following their win.

Authorized Nominators

The following entities are eligible to recommend nominations:

• Relevant Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous institutions, with the Minister’s approval.
• State Governments or Union Territory Administrations, with the Chief Minister’s or Lt. Governor’s approval.
• Regional Resource and Training Centres engaged in drug de-addiction.
• Members of the National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation (NCCDR).
• Prominent Apex Chambers such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry, and The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
• Previous awardees.
• Organizations like the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Medical Council of India (MCI), and others.
• District Collectors or District Magistrates in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Commissioners within the area of the institution or individual’s work.

Nominations for Educational Institutions

To be eligible for nominations, a university or college must:

• Have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of alcoholism and substance abuse prevention, with preference given to ongoing initiatives.
• Regularly engage in programs that raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drugs among students and youth.
• Collaborate with state government departments or UT Administrations to establish policies for reducing alcohol and drug demand.
• Encourage students to remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs.
• Support families affected by youth addiction.
• Take active measures to diminish the local availability of alcohol and drugs.

Application Process

Authorized agencies or individuals must submit nominations through the prescribed format available on the National Awards Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Applications should be completed in either Hindi or English.

Selection of Awardees

A Screening Committee and Selection Committee will assess the achievements of the nominated institutions and individuals. The primary criterion for selecting awardees will be their outstanding contributions to the field.