To give recognition to outstanding contribution towards production and productivity, technological innovations, cost saving, import substitution, saving of foreign exchange and for showing exemplary zeal and enthusiasm in discharge of duties, Ministry of Labour administers a Scheme entitled “Prime Minister’s Shram Awards” for workmen (as defined in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947) employed in Departmental/Public Sector Undertakings of the Central/State Governments. Only those workmen who are engaged in manufacturing and productive processes and whose performance is assessable are eligible for the award.

Awards are given to workmen who have a distinguished record of performance, devotion to duty of a high order, specific contribution in the field of productivity, proven innovative abilities, presence of mind and exceptional courage. These awards may be given to those workmen also who have made supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives in the conscientious discharge of their duties.

Adequate representation is given to women and handicapped workers who have made outstanding contribution.

These Awards are announced every year on the eve of Independence Day. The Awards in the order of precedence are Shram Ratna, Shram Bhushan, Shram Vir and Shram Shri/Devi.

SHRAM RATNA, being the highest award is awarded to a worker of really outstanding calibre.

SHRAM BHUSHAN is awarded to workers who have made exceptional contribution in productivity/production and have also shown innovative abilities of high order.

SHRAM VIR is awarded to workers who have a continuous record of dedicated service and high order of productivity.

SHRAM SHRI/DEVI is awarded to workers who have shown exceptional zeal and enthusiasm for work and have had significant contribution towards productivity.

The awards in number are 1, 2, 6 and 8 respectively i.e. total 17 awards are there. The awards carry presentation of a Sanad and Cash Prize. When an award is given to a team of workmen, while the Sanad is given to each, the award money is distributed equally among the team members. Amount of cash prize against each award is as under :-

Shram Ratna - Rs.2,00,000/-

Shram Bhushan - Rs.1,00,000/-

Shram Vir - Rs.60,000/-

Shram Devi/Shram Shri - Rs.40,000/-

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