The Corporate Affairs Ministry (MCA) has invited entries for nominations for the first ever National CSR Awards from central ministries/Departments; State and Union Territories Governments; professional institutions (ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI) and national level trade and industry chambers.

A nominating organisation can nominate up to a total of 10 entries in all categories of Awards. Companies may directly submit their applications in a suitable category to these organisations.

The nominations can be made on www.csr.gov.in . Last date for submission of application and nominations is September 30.

In all, there are 20 prizes for National CSR Awards, an official release said.

There are three categories of Awards. These are ' Corporate Awards for Excellence in CSR'; 'Corporate Awards in CSR in Challenging Circumstances' and awards based on contribution to National Priority Schemes.

Srivats.kr@thehindu.co.in