What documents may be required for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?

Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.

Can CSC centres help users apply for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?

Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.

How can users check the latest updates for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?

Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.

Are there deadlines for applying to National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?

Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.

Can beneficiaries track application status for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?

Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.

National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Trad…

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Scheme open date: 2023-04-01

Categories: Science, IT & Communications

Sub-categories: Research & Development

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Awards, Science, Technology, National, Citizen Of India

Details

National Innovation Foundation (NIF)-India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, invites entries of unaided technological innovations and traditional knowledge developed at grassroots by an individual (Citizen of India) or group. The innovations can be in the fields of agriculture, health, energy, household or utility, transportation, livestock, etc. leading to the reduction in drudgery, livelihood generation, development of plant varieties or herbal remedies for human/ animal/ farming problems, or any other low cost sustainable green technologies. These should be unaided/ unsupervised and an outcome of one's creativity, without any technical support from external agencies. Creative ideas for innovative technologies/ techniques to solve persistent problems of society, which may not have been developed into prototypes, may also be submitted.

For the 14th National Biennial Competition for Green Grassroots Unaided Technological Innovations, Ideas & Outstanding Traditional Knowledge, the entries can be submitted from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025, which is the last date for submission.

There are six levels of awards:

Life Time Achievement Award (Conferred to an outstanding innovator with demonstrated lifelong creativity).
National First Award.
National Second Award.
National Third Award.
State Award.
Consolation Award.

No. of Awardees

Lifetime Achievement Award – 1
National Awards - 10-15 including all the three categories National First/ Second/ Third
State & Consolation awards – 15-20

The number of awards may vary subject to the submission of eligible applications of innovations during the competition period. If there are no eligible innovations, awards in one or more categories may not be given.

Benefits

1. Life Time Achievement Award – ₹7 50 000/- Trophy
Certificate. 1. National First Award – ₹5 00 000/- Trophy
Certificate. 1. National Second Award – ₹3 00 000/- Trophy
Certificate. 1. National Third Award – ₹1 00 000/- Trophy
Certificate. 1. State Award – ₹50 000/- Trophy
Certificate. 1. Consolation Award - ₹10 000/- Trophy
Certificate

Life Time Achievement Award – ₹7,50,000/-, Trophy, Certificate.
National First Award – ₹5,00,000/-, Trophy, Certificate.
National Second Award – ₹3,00,000/-, Trophy, Certificate.
National Third Award – ₹1,00,000/-, Trophy, Certificate.
State Award – ₹50,000/-, Trophy, Certificate.
Consolation Award - ₹10,000/-, Trophy, Certificate.

Eligibility

Uneducated or school dropout.
School students (up to class 12) or those out of school and up to 17-18 years of age).
ITI/ Polytechnic diploma students or Diploma holders.
Individual innovators with no professional/ technical training or science/ technology related education.
Individuals affiliated with any formal institution and without duties related to Scientific, Technological (S&T)/ Technical or Research and Development (R&D) related work.
Retired individual innovators with no science/ technology related education and without professional experience of S&T/ R&D activities.

Exclusions

Students enrolled in professional courses like engineering, medical, pharmacy, etc., and professional graduates/ postgraduates.
Individuals affiliated with any formal institution and engaged in Scientific, Technological/ Technical or Research and Development related work.
Self-employed well qualified individuals, Professional freelancers.
Retired persons with professional Scientific, Technological/ Technical or Research and Development related work experience.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.8

/ 10

Public Benefit Score

Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate

Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate

Application complexity 3.5/10 Good

Financial impact 9.5/10 Good

Literacy barrier 5.0/10 Moderate

Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate

Awareness 7.5/10 Good

Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good

Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens

Accessibility5.0
Financial impact9.5
Rural utility5.0
Awareness7.5
Simplicity6.5
Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme promotes grassroots innovation and traditional knowledge, providing recognition and financial rewards to individual innovators.

Key challenges addressed

Encourages creativity and innovation in rural areas
Supports traditional knowledge preservation

Most beneficial for

Uneducated individuals
School dropouts
Innovators without formal training

Likely challenges

Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries
Digital literacy requirements for application

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical but requires improvements in awareness and digital access.

Rural challenges

Limited internet access
Lack of awareness about the scheme

Digital challenges

Need for digital literacy to navigate online application

Implementation bottlenecks

Potential delays in application processing

Awareness challenges

Low outreach in rural areas

Application analysis

Application mode: Online portal
Documents burden: Moderate, requires basic identification and proof of innovation
Verification complexity: Moderate, involves evaluation of submitted innovations
Office dependency: Low, primarily online
DBT dependency: None
CSC support: Limited
Estimated citizen effort: Moderate, requires online registration and application

Estimated beneficiary reach

Rural / urban reach High
Gender reach Moderate
Target income group Low-income individuals
Occupation reach Individuals in various sectors

Benefit analysis

Benefit type: Financial awards and recognition
Benefit frequency: One-time awards
Benefit practicality: High, as it provides significant financial support for innovators
Financial meaningfulness: Moderate to high, depending on the award category
Long-term impact: Encourages sustained innovation and preservation of traditional knowledge

Plain-language guidance

This scheme rewards individuals for their innovative ideas and traditional knowledge. Anyone can apply if they have a unique solution to a problem, even without formal education.

Who should apply: Individuals with innovative ideas or traditional knowledge.
Who may struggle: Those with limited digital skills or awareness of the scheme.
Best application route: Apply via the official website with Aadhaar and required details.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Registration:

Step-1: Visit the official website.

Step-2: Click on the Registration button.

Step-3: Choose type Individual or Organization.

Step-4.1: Under Individual category provide the following details.

Name as per Aadhaar/Valid Identity Proof.

Date of Birth.

Nominator/Applicant Type.

Mobile No.

Email ID.

Aadhaar Number.

Step-4.2: Under Organization category provide the following details.

Type of Organization.

Name of the Authorized Person as per Aadhaar/Valid Identity Proof

Date of Birth.

Brief Description about the Organization (100 Words)

Designation

Mobile No.

Email ID.

Aadhaar Number.

Step-5: Submit.

Apply:

Step-1: Visit the official website.

Step-2: Click on login button on portal and login using the credentials.

Step-3: From the list of awards, select "National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards 2025", then click "Nominate / Apply Now".

Step-4: On the next page, fill in all the mandatory fields in the online application form, and then click "Submit".

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What Are The Objectives Of National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards ?: The objectives provide awards for one's creativity, without any technical support from external agencies. Creative ideas for innovative technologies/ techniques solving persistent problems of society, which may not have been developed into prototypes, may also be submitted.
Who organizes these awards?: The National Innovation Foundation (NIF), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, organizes these awards.
What is the purpose of these awards?: The awards aim to acknowledge and honor innovators and practitioners who have made noteworthy contributions to indigenous knowledge and grassroots innovation.
In which categories are the awards conferred?: The awards are given in various categories, including agriculture, health, energy, engineering, and other sectors that showcase grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge.
What role do these awards play in preserving indigenous cultures?: By acknowledging and rewarding outstanding traditional knowledge practices, these awards play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting indigenous cultures, ensuring their continuity and relevance.
Who can get the scheme benefits?: Uneducated or school dropout. 2. School students (up to class 12) or those out of school and up to 17-18 years of age). 3. ITI/ Polytechnic diploma students or Diploma holders. 4. Individual innovators with no professional/ technical training or science/ technology related education. 5. Individuals affiliated with any formal institution and without duties related to Scientific, Technological (S&T)/ Technical or Research and Development (R&D) related work. 6. Retired individual innovators with no science/ technology related education and without professional experience of S&T/ R&D activities.
What is the application process?: Applicant need to complete the registration process. 2. Fill the application form. 3. Provide the required documents.
Who can apply for the awards?: Individual 2. Organization
How Individuals can register ?: Step-1: Visit the official website. Step-2: Click on the Registration button. Step-3: Choose type Individual. Step-4: Provide the required details. Step-5: Submit.
What documents are required ?: Aadhaar Card. 2. Photograph. 3. Proof of Age. 4. Proof of Address. 5. Proof of Educational Qualification (Passing Certificate, Marksheet). 6. Proof of Professional Experience. 7. Details of work done in the last three years in the field. 8. Details of Awards and Honors Received.

Official links

References

Guidelines: https://awards.gov.in/Home/AwardLibrary
Portal: https://awards.gov.in/
Registration: https://awards.gov.in/Registration/SignUp
Apply: https://awards.gov.in/Login

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Science, IT & Communications, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Eligibility for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Benefits under National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards is managed by Department Of Science & Technology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Applications for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards a central government scheme?: Yes, National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can CSC centres help users apply for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards?: Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards in All India?: Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards applications?: Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.