New Delhi: The announcement of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) has been delayed due to enhanced scrutiny and efforts to reduce subjectivity in the selection process, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday.
Launched in 2023 as the highest national honours in the field of science and technology, the RVP’s first awards were presented on August 22 last year, coinciding with the eve of National Space Day.
Modeled after the Padma awards, the categories under RVP include Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva—Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, and Vigyan Team Awards. They were initially scheduled to be announced on May 11, National Technology Day, and conferred on August 23.
“They will be announced soon. Earlier, announcements were often rushed. Now, there is greater scrutiny and objectivity, with less room for subjectivity,” Singh told reporters.
The awards had sparked controversy last year when it was alleged that three scientists critical of the government were excluded from the list of recipients.
“A wider consultation and more thorough evaluation have now been introduced, which may not have been in place earlier,” Singh added, referring to the revamped selection process.
He also noted that the awards have been streamlined into distinct categories. Instituted after discontinuing over 300 awards previously given by various institutions, the RVP includes a medal and a citation but carries no cash component.
All nominations are reviewed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), which then recommends the awardees’ names to the Science and Technology Minister.
