SCOPE Eminence Awards 2022–23 presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi honored CPSEs and A. Manimekhalai of Union Bank of India, highlighting PSU contributions to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Vision 2047.
President Droupadi Murmu Presents SCOPE Eminence Awards 2022–23
Recognition of Public Sector Enterprises
On 29 August 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the SCOPE Eminence Awards 2022–23 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Organized by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) with support from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance, the awards celebrated outstanding contributions made by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and their leaders. These awards highlight the crucial role played by PSUs in advancing India’s growth story through innovation, governance, and inclusive development.
Areas of Excellence Celebrated
The SCOPE Eminence Awards honored PSUs across diverse fields including social welfare, economic development, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, corporate governance, and ethics. By recognizing enterprises excelling in these categories, the awards reaffirm the importance of public sector undertakings in balancing national progress with societal responsibility.
Notable Recognition for Women Leadership
A major highlight was the recognition of A. Manimekhalai, former MD and CEO of Union Bank of India, who became the first woman to head the bank in June 2022. She also held the distinction of being the only woman leading a public sector bank during her tenure. Her recognition at the event reflects the growing acknowledgment of women leaders in India’s financial sector, providing inspiration for aspirants aiming for leadership roles in public institutions.
President’s Vision for the Public Sector
In her address, President Murmu praised CPSEs for their pivotal contributions to industrialization, infrastructure creation, social inclusion, and balanced regional development. She highlighted their role in national missions like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, emphasizing innovation-led initiatives such as Akashteer, an indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System showcased during Operation Sindoor. The President reaffirmed her belief that PSUs would continue to act as the “pillars of prosperity” and help achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Strengthening India’s Future Through CPSEs
The SCOPE Eminence Awards also signal the government’s continued commitment to strengthening public enterprises while encouraging efficiency, accountability, and innovation. For students preparing for government exams, understanding the role of PSUs is vital as they feature prominently in India’s governance and economy. Their contributions extend beyond profit-making, encompassing social and environmental responsibilities crucial for sustainable national growth.
Why This News is Important
Significance for Government Exam Preparation
For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State Civil Services, this news is highly relevant. The recognition of PSUs emphasizes their central role in India’s development, making it a likely topic in current affairs, general awareness, and essay papers.
Highlighting Policy Initiatives
The awards also underline the government’s focus on initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. Questions related to these programs often feature in exams, and candidates must connect them with real-world examples such as PSU achievements.
Women Empowerment in Leadership
The recognition of A. Manimekhalai provides an important example of women breaking barriers in the banking sector, a point often linked with questions on gender empowerment and leadership in exams.
Contribution to Vision 2047
The President’s remarks connect PSUs to India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047, which is a key theme in policy-related discussions and exam syllabi.
Historical Context
The Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) was established in 1973 to represent CPSEs and enhance their efficiency and governance. Over the decades, PSUs have been instrumental in driving India’s industrial growth, from energy and infrastructure to banking and defense production. The SCOPE Eminence Awards were instituted to formally recognize the multifaceted contributions of these enterprises. In recent years, the awards have also emphasized inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with India’s global commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action initiatives.
Key Takeaways from President Murmu Presents SCOPE Eminence Awards
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | President Droupadi Murmu presented the SCOPE Eminence Awards 2022–23 on 29 August 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. |
| 2 | The awards recognized CPSEs for achievements in social welfare, economic growth, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, governance, and ethics. |
| 3 | A. Manimekhalai, former MD & CEO of Union Bank of India, was honored, marking her role as the first woman to lead the bank. |
| 4 | President Murmu praised PSU contributions to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and innovations like Akashteer. |
| 5 | She emphasized that CPSEs are the pillars of prosperity and vital for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the SCOPE Eminence Awards?
The SCOPE Eminence Awards are organized by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) to recognize Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and their leaders for outstanding contributions in areas such as social welfare, innovation, governance, and sustainability.
Q2. Who presented the SCOPE Eminence Awards 2022–23?
The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu on 29 August 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Q3. Which woman leader was recognized at the event?
A. Manimekhalai, former MD & CEO of Union Bank of India, was honored. She was the first woman to lead the bank and the only woman heading a PSU bank at the time.
Q4. What key initiatives of the Government were highlighted by the President in her speech?
The President emphasized the role of PSUs in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Akashteer, an indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System.
Q5. Why are PSUs important in India’s growth story?
PSUs contribute to industrialization, infrastructure, social inclusion, defense, and sustainable development, making them central to India’s economic and social progress.
Q6. What vision did the President link with the role of CPSEs?
She linked their contributions with India’s mission of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Q7. Which ministry supports the SCOPE Eminence Awards?
The awards are supported by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance.
Q8. When was SCOPE established?
The Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) was established in 1973.
Q9. What does Akashteer represent?
Akashteer is an indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System, showcasing innovation in defense technology.
Q10. Why is this event relevant for competitive exams?
It is important for topics on government initiatives, PSU contributions, women empowerment, defense technology, and India’s Vision 2047, which are part of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exam syllabi.
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