New Delhi: The Minister of Women & Child Development, Mrs. Krishna Tirath presented National Child Awards for exceptional achievements to 25 children on Bal Divas today at a function at Vigyan Bhavan.

Presenting the awards, the Minister said, "The children of today are the citizens of tomorrow, it is our duty to provide safe and secure environment to our children."

The Ministry of Women & Child Development has initiated various schemes and programmes for the welfare of the children.

These include universalizing of Integrated Child Development Services programmes, thereby ensuring that an Anganwadi Centre is set up in every village in the country.

The Integrated Child Protection Scheme has been launched this year to provide a safe and protective environment for children. The scheme specifically addresses the needs of street children, orphan children and millions of others who need care and protection.

"The Ministry has also set up the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to protect the rights of the children. It is also pursuing with the States to set up such Commissions for protection of children at the earliest," she added.

On the occasion Ms. Kapila Vatsyayan, Dr. Karan Singh and Motilal Vohra also addressed the children.

The awards are presented every year to the children between the age group 4-15 years for their exceptional achievements in various fields including academics, art, culture and sports etc. Awards include one Gold Medal with cash prize of Rs.20,000 and a citation and 24 Silver Medal with cash prize Rs.10,000 and a citation.

The Gold Medal was presented to Ms. Shruthi S, from Karnataka for her exceptional skill in drawing and painting.
On the occasion the minister also released volume 2&3 of research carried out the NIPCCD on ICDS.