New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS): Nominations have been invited for the annual Chameli Devi Jain Award for women journalists preference will be given to small town/rural, Indian language journalists, The Media Foundation, which has instituted the award, has said.

"The criteria for selection are excellence, analytical skill, social concern, insights, style, innovation, courage and compassion," The Media Foundation said in a statement.

"Other things being equal, preference will be given to small town/rural, Indian language journalists and those who have not been awarded before in their careers," the statement said.

Entries can be sent in English, Hindi or any other Indian language and will be evaluated by an independent panel of jurists whose verdict shall be final.

According to thew statement, journalists in the print, digital, broadcast and current affairs documentary film media are eligible, including photographers, cartoonists and newspaper designers.

Names and addresses of sponsors or references should be clearly mentioned with email ids and contact numbers. Self-nominated entries are also accepted.

Nominations should include a bio-data (with complete postal address, telephone, fax numbers and email address, for facility of communication) together with samples of work done during the period January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, in the form of links (preferably), clippings, tapes and CDs.

These should be accompanied by a brief explanation of why the candidate is especially deserving of recognition. Those sending their entries in regional languages should also send a translation of their work in English.

First awarded in 1982 to an outstanding woman mediaperson, who had made a difference through writing with depth, dedication, courage and compassion, Chameli Devi Jain awardees include some of the best known and respected names in Indian journalism.