Press Information Bureau English Releases

The children who won the National Bravery Awards-2012 met the Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari at a function here today. The Vice President interacted with the brave children and their parents and encouraged them for their valour acts. The awardee children shared with Vice President their acts of bravery and courage. Twenty two children have been awarded National Bravery Awards this year including one child awarded posthumously The awardees receive a medal, certificate and cash and they will participate in the Republic -Day Parade.

These awards were initiated in 1957 by Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW). The awardees will be granted financial assistance until they complete their school education under a sponsorship programme of the Council. Financial assistance is provided by some State Governments also. ICCW provides financial assistance under its ‘Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme’ to those children who undertake professional courses such as engineering and medicine. For other children, this assistance is provided till they complete their graduation. The Government of India has reserved some seats for the awardee children in medical and engineering colleges and polytechnics. The selection for bravery awards were made by a high powered committee comprising representatives of various ministries/departments, non-governmental organisations as well as senior members of Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW).

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Sanjay Kumar/VPI/22.01.2013
(Release ID :91742)