Context: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on 12 rat-hole miners in New Delhi.
About The Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak:
What It Is?
- The Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak is the highest tier of the Jeevan Raksha Padak series of civilian life-saving awards in India. Administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it recognizes individuals for conspicuous, extraordinary bravery in saving human lives under circumstances of extreme personal risk and life-threatening danger.
Origin & History:
- Instituted In: September 30, 1961, as an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of gallantry awards.
- Evolution: Originally instituted as Class I life-saving medals, the series was later renamed into a three-tiered structure: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (Tier 1), Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak (Tier 2), and Jeevan Raksha Padak (Tier 3).
Aim: To officially honor, motivate, and publicly recognize civilian acts of selfless heroism and prompt action in saving human lives during emergencies such as mine collapse rescues, drowning incidents, fires, landslides, electrocutions, and natural disasters.
Key Features:
- Highest Life-Saving Category: Awarded specifically for acts performed under conditions of very great danger to the life of the rescuer.
- Universal Eligibility & Integration: Open to all citizens from all walks of life, regardless of gender or profession. Members of the Armed Forces, CAPFs, and Police are eligible if the life-saving act is performed beyond their routine line of duty.
- Monetary Allowance: Recipients receive a lump-sum monetary grant of ₹2,00,000 along with a medal, a miniature replica, and a certificate signed by the Union Home Minister.
- Posthumous Conferment: The award can be conferred posthumously if a rescuer makes the ultimate sacrifice while saving others.
- Presidential Approval Process: Recommendations submitted by states, union territories, or central ministries are vetted by a high-level Award Committee before final approval by the President of India.
Significance:
- Honours rat-hole miners as national heroes, proving public service transcends professions.
- Celebrates selfless bravery, inspiring citizens to act during disasters and emergencies.
