NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday unveiled a new set of national awards in science, technology and innovation, Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’, and scrapped 300 awards by various science departments.

An official statement said the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will be one of the highest recognitions in science, technology and innovation, to be given across four categories-Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar and Vigyan Team.

Scientists will be selected across 13 domains by a panel headed by principal scientific advisor to the government. “People of Indian Origin with contributions benefiting the Indian society shall also be eligible,” it said.