Punjab Government, on the eve of the country’s 75th year of Independence, has decided to resume the ‘Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh State Yuva Award’ — lying defunct since long.
“The aim to restart this award is to make the youth a partner in the state’s development besides empowering them. The Yuva Bhavan, constructed at Chandigarh for the youth, is being also renovated and revived as the Centre of Excellence for youth,” said the state’s Sports and Youth Services Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, after a meeting held at the Directorate of Youth Services at Sector-42 Yuva Bhavan.
Hayer said that the State Government is making continuous efforts to disseminate the ideology of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and prepare the youth for taking leadership role in the state. This award carries a cash amount of Rs 51,000, a medal, a scroll, a blazer and a certificate.
The Minister said that Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh State Yuva Award is given to two youths, between the age of 15 to 35 years, from each district of the State. “The required instructions have already been given to the Youth Services Department. The Youth welfare activities, NCC, NSS, social services, cultural activities, sports, tracking, national unity, blood donation, awareness against drugs, educational merit, heroic deeds, scouts and guiding and adventure activities are the criterion for the bestowing of award,” he said.