Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Award 2026
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Key takeaways
- Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), received the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Award 2026 at the 16th Sansad Ratna Awards in New Delhi.
- The award was instituted by the Prime Point Foundation and the Jury Committee of the Sansad Ratna Awards, which was originally established in 2010 based on a suggestion by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- This recognition honors institutions and public leaders working to uphold social justice, statutory rights, and safeguards under Article 338 for Scheduled Castes.
Why in News
- Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), received the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Award 2026 during the 16th Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony in New Delhi.
About the Award
- This honor is a prestigious civil society recognition created under the Sansad Ratna Awards platform. It recognizes outstanding leaders, public servants, and institutions for exemplary public service, protection of constitutional values, and commitment to social justice.
- The Prime Point Foundation created this award and selects nominees along with the Jury Committee of the Sansad Ratna Awards.
History
- The Prime Point Foundation established this civil society recognition initiative. The foundation had originally started the Sansad Ratna Awards in 2010 following a suggestion by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Over the years, the platform expanded its scope beyond members of parliament. It now honors statutory and constitutional institutions that work for public welfare, social harmony, and community empowerment in line with Dr. Kalam's vision.
Aim
- The main objective of this award is to celebrate, encourage, and highlight public leadership, constitutional protection, and meaningful work aimed at improving the social and economic status of marginalized communities.
Key Features
- An independent Jury Committee from the Sansad Ratna Awards reviews and selects all candidates. They consult civil society members, parliamentarians, and legal experts before finalizing the winners.
- Organizers present this award every year at the Sansad Ratna Awards function, where Union Ministers and senior judicial officials attend.
- The recognition highlights both individual leadership and the institutional effectiveness of constitutional bodies in solving public grievances and enforcing statutory rights.
- The award gives special priority to efforts that strengthen social equality, constitutional safeguards, and dignity for historically disadvantaged groups.
Significance
- It highlights the crucial role of the NCSC in protecting rights under Article 338, redressing public grievances, and stopping atrocities against Scheduled Castes.
- It promotes Dr. Kalam's vision of an open, citizen-focused, and efficient public administration.