Launch of Web-Portal for Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2026

Key Highlights:

• The web-portal for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2026 was launched on November 13, 2026, by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG).
• A total of 16 awards will be conferred, covering the period from April 1, 2024, to November 30, 2026.
• The "Holistic Development of Districts" category has been revamped, including 9 new schemes and continuing 3 from the 2025 awards.
• Districts with Aspirational Blocks will participate in a dedicated category, covering 513 blocks across 331 districts.

Detailed Insights:

• The launch initiated the registration process for the awards, aiming to recognize outstanding public administration efforts.
• Newly added schemes for consideration include SBM (Urban), AMRUT, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, PM SHRI, Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), and National Mission on Natural Farming.
• Schemes continued from the 2025 awards are Har Ghar Jal Yojana, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
• The schemes approved for the 2026 awards will also be applicable for the Prime Minister’s Awards 2027.
• Awardees receive a Trophy, a Scroll, and an incentive of ₹20 lakhs for public welfare projects or bridging resource gaps.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration: An annual award scheme to recognize extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts/Organizations of the Central and State Governments.
• Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG): A department under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, responsible for administrative reforms and public grievance redressal.
• Aspirational Blocks Programme: An initiative focused on improving governance and enhancing the quality of life in India's most underdeveloped blocks.