What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)?

Why in News?

• The ISRO-Chandrayan 3 Team will be awarded the Vigyan Team award for their contribution in the field of Space Science and Technology.
• Celebrated biochemist Govindarajan Padmanabhan has been selected as the first recipient of the Vigyan Ratna Puraskar. 

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):

• It is a new set of awards introduced by the Government of India in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
• Objective: To recognize the notable and inspiring contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology­-led innovation.
• It is one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
• Eligibility:
  • Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations, or any individual working outside any organization who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research, innovation, or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
  • People of Indian origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.
• Scientists will be selected across 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
• The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity will be ensured.
• The awards shall be given in the following four categories:
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements and contributions made in any field of science and technology.
  • Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
  • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize and encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
  • Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.
• All nominations received for the RVP awards are placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
• The award ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23rd August (National Space Day). All Awards will have a Sanad and a medal.