The Ministry of Home Affairs sponsors annual essay competitions designed to promote national integration and communal harmony among students in India. These competitions, open to school children and college/university students, encourage reflection on the values of unity, peace, and social cohesion, aiming to create awareness and instill a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.
Scheme Overview
The scheme facilitates essay competitions at two levels:
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School Children: Open to students in Classes IX to XII. These competitions are organized at the district level, with the help of district education authorities and collectors, with an evaluation process managed by a panel of judges.
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College/University Students: For students pursuing higher education. These competitions are held at the State/UT level, typically organized by the State University Grants Commission, or similar governing body.
Subject and Themes
The topics of these essay competitions are centered around national integration and communal harmony. They are meant to be reflective of the core values of unity in diversity and are selected annually by the State/UT authorities in consultation with the education departments, finance departments, planning commissions, and relevant state councils.
Medium and Eligibility
The essays can be written in Hindi, English, or any official language of the State/UT. Both competitions are designed to promote participation from all eligible students, with appropriate judging processes to determine the winners.
Prizes and Recognition
The scheme offers cash prizes to recognize and reward the best essay writers. The awards structure is as follows:
For School Children:
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First Prize: Rs. 1,000
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Second Prize: Rs. 600
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Third Prize: Rs. 400
For College/University Students:
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First Prize: Rs. 5,000
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Second Prize: Rs. 3,000
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Third Prize: Rs. 2,000
Besides cash awards, winning essays may be compiled into a book, and/or published in local newspapers or magazines, thus further disseminating the valuable insights of the participating youth.
Implementation and Organization
The organizational aspects are designed to ensure fairness, efficiency, and appropriate acknowledgment:
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State/UT authorities set deadlines for the submission of essays and dates of the competitions.
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Prizes are announced on October 2nd every year and distributed at Republic Day events in the districts for school children and in the state capitals for college/university students.
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Recipients of the awards receive travel and boarding allowances.
Financial and Administrative Aspects
The scheme allocates funds for:
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Travel and Daily Allowance (TA/DA) for the winners,
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Honoraria for the panel of judges
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Administrative costs like certificate printing and essay compilation
The Ministry of Home Affairs provides the required funds to the designated State/UT authorities and also requires them to submit a Utilization Certificate post the awards distribution.
Conclusion
The essay competitions on National Integration and Communal Harmony are a significant initiative to foster understanding, respect, and unity among the diverse student population of India. By offering cash incentives and platforms for showcasing creative expression, this scheme encourages young people to engage with these essential social concepts and become active contributors to a more harmonious and inclusive nation. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting these essential values among the younger generation.