Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Award

Description
The "Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Award" scheme has been launched by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. The scheme aims to encourage innovation, excellence, and capacity building in the telecom sector while recognizing outstanding contributions made by individuals, organizations, and institutions across telecom innovations, skilling, services, manufacturing, and sectoral applications.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Benefits
• Cash award of ₹2,00,000 per awardee.
• Shawl, Citation, and Plaque as recognition.
• Reimbursement of airfare (economy class by the shortest route).
• A lump sum amount of ₹7,500 for boarding, lodging, and incidental expenses.
• National recognition for outstanding telecom contributions.
• Mode of Disbursement
• Cash award transferred to awardee; travel reimbursement on submission of bills.
• Physical presentation of shawl, plaque, and citation.
• Once annually.
• Expected Time of Disbursement
• During the official Award Presentation Ceremony (date decided by Department of Telecommunications).
• One-time award; cannot be used as title or prefix/suffix.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be an Indian citizen or an organization/institution registered in India.
2. The applicant should have made notable contributions in telecom sector during the last 3 years.
3. The applicant should contribute in telecom innovations, skilling, services, manufacturing, or telecom-based applications.
4. The applicant should demonstrate impact in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, or commerce.
5. The applicant should provide verifiable work done within India.
6. The applicant should not have received this award in the last 3 years.
7. The applicant should not be currently performing the work as part of regular government duty, unless after retirement.
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Application Process
Step 1: Step 01: The applicant should visit the National Awards Portal (https://www.awards.gov.in).
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Step 01: The applicant should visit the National Awards Portal (https://www.awards.gov.in).

Step 2: Step 02: The applicant should register and fill the online application form.
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Step 02: The applicant should register and fill the online application form.

Step 3: Step 03: The applicant should upload all required documents and supporting evidence.
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Step 03: The applicant should upload all required documents and supporting evidence.

Step 4: Step 01: The applications are scrutinized by the Award Sub-Committee.
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Step 01: The applications are scrutinized by the Award Sub-Committee.

Step 5: Step 02: The shortlisted candidates are recommended to the Award Committee.
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Step 02: The shortlisted candidates are recommended to the Award Committee.

Step 6: Step 03: The Award Committee selects the final awardees.
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Step 03: The Award Committee selects the final awardees.

Step 7: Step 04: Approval is obtained from the Minister of Communications.
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Step 04: Approval is obtained from the Minister of Communications.

Step 8: Step 05: Selected candidates are informed and invited to the award ceremony.
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Step 05: Selected candidates are informed and invited to the award ceremony.

Step 9: Step 06: Awards are presented during the official ceremony.
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The applicant should submit a recommendation from the organization (if work done in official capacity).

Required Documents
• Detailed Description Of Contribution/Work
• Recommendation Letter From Organization (If Applicable)
• Proof Of Identity (For Individuals)
• Registration Certificate Of Organization (For Institutions)
• Supporting Documents And Evidence Of Work
• Annual Reports Of Last 3 Years (For Organizations, If Asked)
• Memorandum And Articles Of Association (If Applicable)
• Self-Certification By Applicant
• Proof Of Contribution Period (Last 3 Years)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply for this award?
A: Indian citizens and organizations/institutions registered in India can apply.
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Q: What is the cash prize under this award?
A: Each awardee receives ₹2,00,000 along with a plaque and citation.
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Q: How many awards are given each year?
A: A maximum of 5 awards are given annually, subject to suitable candidates.
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Q: What sectors are covered under this award?
A: Telecom innovations, skilling, services, manufacturing, and sectoral applications are covered.
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Q: What is the eligible period of contribution?
A: Contributions made during the last 3 years are considered.
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Q: Is there any age limit for applicants?
A: No, there is no age limit for applying.
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Q: Can government employees apply for this award?
A: They are eligible only if the work is not part of their regular official duties or after retirement.
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Q: How can applications be submitted?
A: Applications must be submitted online through the [National Awards Portal](https://awards.gov.in/).
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Q: Is self-nomination allowed?
A: Yes, individuals and organizations can nominate themselves.
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Q: What additional benefits are provided apart from cash prize?
A: Travel reimbursement and ₹7,500 for incidental expenses are provided.
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Q: Can the award be given posthumously?
A: It is generally not given posthumously except in rare and exceptional cases.
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Q: Who selects the awardees?
A: The Award Committee selects the awardees based on recommendations.
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Q: Can the award title be used as a prefix or suffix?
A: No, the award cannot be used as a title, and misuse may lead to forfeiture.
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