The Ministry of Science and Technology recently announced the ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ (RVP), aligning it with other national awards like the Padma. This recognition is part of an effort to promote scientific achievement and innovation in India, encouraging contributions from every sector of society.
Understanding the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Awards
The RVP encompasses various subcategories for recognition, including the Vigyan Ratna Awards, Vigyan Shri Awards, Vigyan Team Awards, and Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Awards.
The Vigyan Ratna Awards celebrate lifetime achievements and significant contributions in any field of science and technology. The Vigyan Shri Awards recognize distinguished advancements within these sectors. The Vigyan Team Awards are given to teams of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who have made extraordinary contributions in their field. Lastly, the VY-SSB Awards, named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, a renowned chemist and visionary, are considered the highest multidisciplinary science awards for young scientists in India, aged 45 years or less.
Award Criteria and Timing
The RVP Awards encompass various criteria, including tech-led innovations and collaboration. Unlike previous awards, the RVP dispenses with age restrictions, except for the VY-SSB award. Nominations open annually on 14th January and close on 28th February, National Science Day. The winners are announced on National Technology Day, 11th May, with a ceremony held on 23rd August, also known as National Space Day.
The Significance of the RVP Awards
The RVP accepts nominations from Indian Origin individuals worldwide, recognizing the global influence of Indian scientific talent. They also extend eligibility to scientists, technologists, and innovators in the government or private sector, or individuals working outside any organization. This new framework includes team awards and does not impose age limitations except for the VY-SSB award. It also commits to ensuring equal gender representation.
Enhancing Inclusivity and Overcoming Past Limitations
The RVP system aims to recognize significant contributions, thus requiring contributions that exceed the standard job descriptions of a scientist or technologist. The awards broaden the idea of scientific engagement by considering teaching, mentoring, science communication, and leadership roles during selection.
The RVP acknowledges the gender parity challenge by addressing the age limit of the VY-SSB award, which can disadvantage women with family responsibilities. Instead, the awards propose redefining ‘young scientist’ based on career independence and offering eligibility extensions due to personal circumstances.
A Transparent and Diverse Selection Procedure
The RVP selection process should adhere to predetermined timelines, provide a list of shortlisted candidates, and include diverse selection committees with representation from international jury members and non-scientists.
Representation and Continuous Evaluation
The awards aim to ensure socioeconomic and demographic representation among awardees. There’s an emphasis on acknowledging contributions made under systemic social challenges. The impact of the awards must be continuously assessed regarding scientific progress, diversity, and the broader scientific culture in India.