In Focus: Civilian Awards:
In Focus: Civilian Awards:
- In 1954, Government of India instituted two civilian awards i.e. Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan.
- The Padma Vibhushan had three classes namely Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg, which were subsequently renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri in 1955.
About: Bharat Ratna
- Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the country.
- It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
- It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award.
- Recommendations for Bharat Ratna: The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
- Note: No formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary.
- Note: No formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary.
- Maximum number of Bharat Ratna in a year: The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
- Government has conferred Bharat Ratna Award on 45 persons till date.
About: Padma Awards
- The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India usually announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
- These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.
- The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
- The Awards are given in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service)
- Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order)
- Padma Shri (distinguished service)
- Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service)
The Award:
- The awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
- The recipients are also given a small replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc. if the awardees so desire.
- The names of the awardees are published in the Gazette of India on the day of the presentation ceremony.
- The award is normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, the Government could consider giving an award posthumously.
- The award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name
Fields/Disciplines eligible for Padma Awards: The Padma award seeks to distinguish works of excellence and is given for and extraordinary achievements in all fields of
- Art
- Social work
- Public Affairs
- Science & Engineering
- Trade & Industry
- Medicine
- Literature & Education
- Civil Service
- Sports
- Others (fields not covered above and may include propagation of Indian Culture, protection of Human Rights, Wild Life protection/conservation etc.)
Who are eligible for Padma Awards?
- All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.
- However, Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these Awards.
Recommendations for Padma Award:
- The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
- The Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members.
- The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.
Nomination Process:
- The nomination process is open to the public. Even self-nomination can be done.
Maximum Number of Padma Awards in a year:
- The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120.
Polity & Governance
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