Question : STREE SHAKTI PURASKAR

(a) the components and elements of the Stree Shakti Puraskar; and

(b) the procedure of selection to give awards to the deserved women?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)

(a) As a measure of recognition of achievements of individual women in the field of social development, the Government of India has announced five National Awards, which are to be called ` Stree Shakti Puraskar` . The awards will be given annually in the names of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Kannaki, Mata Jijabai, Rani Gaidenlou Zeliang and Rani Lakshmi Bai eminent personalities in Indian history who are famous for their personal courage and integrity. Each award will carry a cash prize of Rupees one lakh and a citation. The awards will be given to women who have fought for and established the rights of women, who have worked for the support and rehabilitation of women and children such as destitute women, widows, old aged and disabled women and victims of atrocities and conflicts. Also achievements of women who have worked in the areas of education, health, agriculture and rural industry, protection of forests and environment and those who have created awareness and consciousness on women`s issues through arts and media would be recognised. One of the awards will be given for the personal achievement by a woman in difficult circumstances.

(b) Each State Government would consider the nominations through a State Level Screening Committee and forward/recommend selected nominations to the Central Government. The nominations received from States would be screened by a National Level Screening Committee headed by the Minister of Human Resource Development which would select five nominations for the awards. The National Selection committee may also consider nominations other than those recommended by the State Governments.