Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has invited online applications for the National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
He said applications can be submitted online until August 15, 2026. The awards seek to recognise outstanding contributions towards the rights, equal opportunities, rehabilitation, employment, accessibility and inclusive development of persons with disabilities.
Several categories have been included for the national awards. These include the best institution or NGO working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, best employer, best placement agency, and best state, Union Territory or district in implementing the Accessible India Campaign and creating barrier-free environments.
Other categories include excellence in accessible transport and information and communication technology, effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, UDID and other empowerment schemes, the best State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, organisations contributing to the development of rehabilitation professionals, and public or private sector organisations making outstanding contributions through corporate social responsibility.
Meena said selected awardees in the respective categories would be honoured with a certificate and a commemorative shield.
He appealed to eligible NGOs, trusts, societies, companies, industrial establishments, private and public sector employers, placement agencies and other organisations working in the field to submit their applications within the prescribed deadline.
The Deputy Commissioner said such national awards serve as an encouragement for organisations working to bring persons with disabilities into the mainstream, expand employment opportunities, promote skill development, provide rehabilitation services and create accessible environments.
He clarified that applications or nominations must be submitted online through the designated national awards portal by August 15, 2026. Applications sent through post, courier, email or any other physical or indirect mode will not be considered.
Detailed eligibility criteria, guidelines and other information are available through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the National Awards portal.
