Gangtok, August 14: The Sikkim Government on Thursday instituted the Shravan Kumar Award to recognise individuals who show exceptional care and devotion to their parents. The announcement was made during the 77th Independence Day, 15th August 2023 celebrations at Paljor Stadium.

The award, named after the mythological figure Shravan Kumar known for his selfless service to his blind parents, will be conferred annually on August 15. This year, 199 individuals from 199 Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) across the state have been selected to receive the award, each receiving a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.

Chief Minister Tamang Golay will confer the award to 22 recipients from Gangtok district at Paljor Stadium, while awardees from the remaining districts of Pakyong, Soreng, Namchi, Geyzing, and Mangan will be honoured during local Independence Day events.

The Rural Development Department administers the award through a structured selection process. Each Gram Sabha can nominate up to three deserving candidates based on their care for parents, particularly those who are disabled or above 80 years of age. Nominations are reviewed and verified by a District Level Verification Committee, which includes senior district officials and, if necessary, the Special Branch of the district police. Selection criteria include continuous and selfless care, personal sacrifices, moral conduct, and commitment to parents’ dignity and wellbeing.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader focus on social cohesion and support for parents. It complements other schemes such as Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, and the recent felicitation of 217 mothers under Aama Samman Diwas on August 10.

The Shravan Kumar Award aims to promote the values of respect, gratitude, and service to parents, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to nurturing the emotional and cultural foundations of Sikkimese society.