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Skills & Employment; Social welfare & Empowerment

Nehru Child Literature Prize

The Arts and Culture Department of Puducherry launched the "Nehru Child Literature Prize" scheme for authors/writers. Financial assistance with a certificate will be provided for their contribution to children's literature books published in Tamil.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Puducherry

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Financial Assistance of ₹10,000/-. with a certificate.

Who can apply

The applicant should be a writer/author/ joint author.; The applicant should be a native of Puducherry by virtue of birth or continuous residence of not less than five years.; The applicant should submit texts that must be printed and published as first edition by 31st December from the first day of the specified year.; A one-time awardee is ineligible to apply for the subsequent four years.; The applicant should not submit an abridgment, adaptation, translation, or paraphrase of another text for the competition.; Essay and thesis submitted for a university degree or examination are not eligible for this award.; The texts written for the syllabus will not be accepted for the prize competition.; The Children's literature should be published in Tamil not exceeding 120 pages.; Foundation lectures, other lectures, serials in journals Published, etc. will not be accepted.; The applicant should include categories such as novels, short stories, poems, plays, travelogues, collections of essays, etc. written for children's literature.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the Nehru Child Literature Prize?

The Nehru Children's Literature Prize is an award given to authors of children's literature published in Tamil, aimed at recognizing and encouraging quality writing for children.

Who is eligible to apply for the Nehru Child Literature Prize?

Authors born in Puducherry or who have resided continuously in the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least five years prior to the application date are eligible.

What type of works are eligible for submission?

Eligible works include novels, short stories, poems, plays, travelogues, collections of essays, and other forms of children's literature written in Tamil.

What is the prize for the winning author?

The winning author will receive [?]10,000/- along with a certificate.

Can an author who has won the prize before apply again?

A previous winner is ineligible to apply for the next four years.

Are translated or adapted works eligible for the prize?

No, translations, abridgements, adaptations, or paraphrases of other texts are not eligible.

What are the requirements for submitting an application?

Applicants must submit a complete application form, a separate form for each publication, five copies of the text, and the author's signature on the application form.

What is the page limit for the submitted children's literature?

The children's literature should not exceed 120 pages.

How are the submitted works evaluated?

A five-member committee of experts appointed by the Government scrutinizes the books and selects the prize winner.

Can multiple authors submit a joint work for the competition?

Yes, joint works can be submitted, and the prize money will be distributed among the authors if they win.

What happens if there are issues with the implementation of the scheme?

The Government's decision regarding any issues with the scheme's implementation is final and binding.

Can the Government change the regulations of the scheme?

Yes, the Government has the full power to amend, alter, or delete any provisions related to the scheme as needed.

When must the submitted texts be published to be eligible?

Texts must be printed and published as first editions by 31st December of the specified year to be eligible.