Nari Shakti Puraskar - National Award for Women
₹2 lakh + certificate for women's empowerment work · up to 15 awards · 8th March ceremony
The Nari Shakti Puraskar is India's highest national award for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to women's empowerment — especially for vulnerable and marginalized women. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹2,00,000 and a certificate, conferred on International Women's Day (March 8) every year. Nominations are accepted online at awards.gov.in between July 1 and October 31 each year — self-nominations are welcome.
About This Scheme
The Nari Shakti Puraskar is India's highest national award for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to women's empowerment — especially for vulnerable and marginalized women. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹2,00,000 and a certificate, conferred on International Women's Day (March 8) every year. Nominations are accepted online at awards.gov.in between July 1 and October 31 each year — self-nominations are welcome.
Full official description
The “Nari Shakti Puraskar” has been introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, to acknowledge the achievements of women and recognize their contributions to society and the nation. The award is conferred annually on individuals in recognition of their exceptional service towards the cause of women’s empowerment, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized women. The recipients of the “Nari Shakti Puraskar” shall be declared every year by 20th February and awards will be conferred on 8th March on the occasion of International Women's Day (IWD). Objectives:
- In the past few years, there have been concerted efforts by the Government to recognize and encourage women to participate in all spheres and issues related to women have gained utmost importance and focused attention. "Nari Shakti Puraskars" shall showcase the Government's commitment towards women with the aim of strengthening their position in the society.
- “Nari Shakti Puraskar” will also provide an opportunity to Young Indians to understand the contribution of women in building of society and the nation.
- The awards will inspire the citizens to follow the league of awardees.
Benefits
- Cash prize of ₹2,00,000 per awardee
- Certificate of recognition presented at a special ceremony on March 8 (International Women's Day)
- Economy class travel to New Delhi and back reimbursed (Air India or permitted airline)
- Boarding and lodging in Delhi arranged by the Ministry for 3 days around the ceremony
- One companion's travel reimbursed for awardees above 70 years, Divyangjan, BPL, or with language barriers
- Maximum 15 awards conferred per year
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If you run a women-focused social enterprise, nominating your most impactful field-level champions for Nari Shakti Puraskar can dramatically boost your organization's visibility — the award is presented by the President of India and carries significant public relations value.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Open to individuals only (not organizations); must be at least 25 years of age as of July 1 of the award year
- Must not have previously received this award or the earlier Stree Shakti Puraskar
- Must have done outstanding work in economic or social empowerment of women, skill development, safety, health, education, or dignity of women
- Nominations accepted from state governments, Union Territories, NGOs, universities, PSUs, and individuals (self-nominations allowed)
- Posthumous awards considered only if nomination was submitted before the person's death
Exclusions
- Applicants must be at least 25 years of age on 1st July of the award year
- Previous recipients of the same award are not eligible again
- Awards are normally not given posthumously
How to Apply
- Nominations are submitted via the awards.gov.in portal — open from 1st July to 31st October each year
- Authorised nominating agencies (State Govts, NGOs, Central Ministries, PSUs) or self-nominees register on the portal and fill the nomination form
- The form asks for identity, age proof, and a detailed account of the nominee's work in women's empowerment
- Applications are verified by State/UT authorities and District Collectors; a Screening Committee shortlists nominees
- A Selection Committee makes the final selection — awards announced by 20th February and presented on 8th March (International Women's Day)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the 'Nari Shakti Puraskar'?
The main objective is to acknowledge and encourage outstanding work done towards women’s empowerment, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized women, and to strengthen the position of women in society.
How often is the 'Nari Shakti Puraskar' awarded?
The award is conferred annually.
On which occasion is the award presented?
The award is presented on 8th March, on the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD).
When are the award recipients announced?
The recipients are declared every year by 20th February.
Who is eligible to apply for the award?
The award is open to individuals only who are at least 25 years of age as on 1st July of the award year.
Can a previous awardee apply again?
No, individuals who have already received the Nari Shakti Puraskar or the earlier Stree Shakti Puraskar are not eligible.
In which areas can the award be given?
The award may be given for outstanding work in areas such as economic and social empowerment of women, leadership, education, health, safety, skill development, science and technology, sports, art, culture, and dignity of women.
Is there any provision for awarding a State or Union Territory?
Yes, an award may be given to a State or Union Territory that has appreciably improved the Child Sex Ratio (CSR).
How many awards are given each year?
A maximum of 15 awards are given annually, though relaxation may be allowed at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
Who can nominate candidates for the award?
Nominations can be made by State Governments, UT Administrations, Central Ministries/Departments, NGOs, Universities, Institutions, PSUs, or through self-nomination.
What is the mode of submitting nominations?
Nominations must be submitted online only through the designated portal https://www.awards.gov.in.
Are offline or postal applications accepted?
No, applications received through any mode other than online will not be entertained.
Who selects the final awardees?
The Selection Committee constituted by the Ministry selects the awardees based on the Screening Committee’s recommendations.
Where is the award ceremony held?
The award ceremony is held at New Delhi.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Identity proof
- Proof of age (must be at least 25 years on 1st July of the award year)
- Detailed note on work done for women's empowerment (the core of the nomination)
- Other supporting documents as required