BPSAESJ

The award is given to the journalists who have done significant work in the sphere of journalism for the promotion and popularization of sports and games as well as fighting for the causes of sports and sportspersons in the State of Odisha.

The “Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism” is a category of award under the “Biju Patnaik Sports Award" Scheme. The scheme was launched by the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha to commemorate the yeoman service of late Biju Patnaik, the ex-Chief Minister of Odisha, towards the development of Sports & Games in the State by conferring the highest honor of the Government of Odisha in the field of Sports in his name.

The objective of the scheme is to encourage the development of Sports and Games in the State. The award is given to the journalists who have done significant work in the sphere of journalism for the promotion and popularization of sports and games as well as fighting for the causes of sports and sportspersons in the State of Odisha.

• Sports Journalist: Sports reporter, Journalist (Mobile or desk) of a major daily newspaper, or magazine. - Accredited Journalists: A journalist who has been granted accreditation under the Rule "The Odisha Press Accreditation (Constitution Rules-1994 notified on 31st January 1994 Resolution in I & P.R. Department Govt. of Odisha) and includes accredited Sports & Photo Journalist and awarded from time to time. - Freelance Reporter of Print media and/or Electronic media operating within the State of Odisha (As per the eligibility criteria under the resolution (Para-2 (I) of the I& P.R. Department of Government of Odisha. - Photo Journalist/Cameraman-Cum-Correspondent: A cameraman representing a newspaper, News Photo Agency, or TV news Unit (as per the eligibility criteria under resolution (Para-2 (i) & P.R. Department)

• The applicant should be a permanent resident of the State of Odisha.
• To be eligible for this award, a journalist must have done significant work in the sphere of journalism for the promotion and popularization of sports and games as well as fighting for the causes of sports and sportspersons in the State of Odisha.
• The applicant should not have been convicted of any criminal offence.
• The award will be conferred on a person only once in his/her lifetime, pertaining to the concerned category.
• The award can be given posthumously to the next of kin of the selected awardee.

> Annulment Cancellation of Award:

• The Award may be cancelled in case it is found that it has been obtained by fraudulent means.
• In such event, the concerned person shall be asked to refund the award failing which steps will be taken to recover the involved cost from him/her with simple interest @ 5% per annum.

• The award shall be presented every year subject to the availability of suitable candidates, which will carry a cash award of ₹1,00,000/-.
• A statue, a scroll of honor, and a blazer with a tie shall be given along with all the Cash Awards.
• The Awardees shall be invited to receive the awards in person. They shall be given T.A. and D.A. at the rate admissible to a Grade 'A' Officer.

Note:

• Canvassing for the award in any form is prohibited.
• The award can also be given posthumously to the next of kin of the awardee.
• In case of selection of more than one person for an award, the award money will be shared amongst the awardees.
• It will not be binding on the Department of Sports & Youth Services to confer the award every year. In case of non-availability of suitable persons for the award, the award shall not be given for the respective year.

• Persons found positive for use of drugs/banned substances for performance enhancement, will not be eligible for this Award.