Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar in his Budget 2015-16 had proposed the two awards in a bid to bring in gender equity and respect and dignity to women through their empowerment.
Two Veerjyoti Puraskars will be given to a woman and a girl child, respectively for displaying exemplary bravery and courage against atrocities, violence and or harassment against them or against any other woman or girl. The award will be presented on January 26 every year.
Two Rakshak Puruskars will be given to anybody coming to the aid, protection or help beyond the call of duty in dealing with any type of violence, attack or harassment against women and girls. This is open to people from any walk of life, whether they be police officers, doctors, lawyers, public prosecutors, social workers, teachers, tourist guides, lifeguards, bus, taxi or auto drivers as a message to encourage and motivate all to bestow respect and dignity to women in society. These awards will be given on August 15, every year.
