The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances officially launched the web portal for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 on January 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The virtual launch event was attended by officials from central ministries, state governments, and district administrations across the country. The awards aim to recognize outstanding contributions of civil servants through 16 awards across three categories.
Award Categories:
1. Holistic Development of Districts: Focused on 11 priority sector programs (5 awards).
2. Aspirational Blocks Programme: Highlighting achievements in 500 aspirational blocks across 329 districts (5 awards).
3. Innovations: Recognizing initiatives by central ministries, state/UT governments, and districts (6 awards).
Key Features of the 2024 Awards:
Aspirational Blocks Programme: Included for the first time, this emphasizes development in aspirational blocks, boosting progress in underserved areas.
Prize Money: Awardees will receive Rs. 20 lakh each, alongside a trophy and scroll. The funds must be utilized for public welfare projects or addressing resource gaps.
Registration and Nomination:
Registration Start Date: January 20, 2025.
Nomination Submission Window: January 27 to February 14, 2025.
Evaluation Process:
Time Period Considered: April 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.
Evaluation Stages: Shortlisting by screening committees, assessment by an expert committee, and final recommendations by an empowered committee. The Prime Minister will approve the awardees based on these recommendations.
Objective:
Since its transformation in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the scheme has focused on promoting constructive competition, innovation, replication, and institutionalization of best practices. Emphasis is placed on good governance, qualitative outcomes, and last-mile connectivity over mere quantitative achievements.
The awards aim to motivate all districts to participate and excel, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in public administration.
