Daily News Analysis

Padma Awards

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Why in the News?

The President of India recently conferred 4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan and 57 Padma Shri Awards at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Historical Background of Padma Awards

The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954, alongside the Bharat Ratna. Initially, they were divided into three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg.

In 1955, these classes were renamed through a Presidential Notification as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, respectively.

Categories of Padma Awards

Padma Vibhushan: It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.

Padma Bhushan: It is conferred for distinguished service of a high order.

Padma Shri: It recognises distinguished service in any field.

Eligibility Criteria

Universal Eligibility: All persons, irrespective of race, occupation, position or gender, are eligible for the Padma Awards.

Government Servants: Government employees, including employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are generally ineligible. However, doctors and scientists are exempted from this restriction.

Posthumous Awards: Padma Awards are normally not conferred posthumously. However, exceptions may be made in highly deserving cases.

Gap Between Awards: A minimum gap of five years is normally required before a recipient can receive a higher category of Padma Award. The Padma Awards Committee may relax this requirement in exceptional cases.

Nominations: Nominations are open to the public, and self-nomination is also permitted.

Selection Process

Padma Awards Committee: All nominations are evaluated by a committee constituted annually by the Prime Minister. The committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.

Final Approval: The committee submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for final approval.

Presentation of Awards: The awards are presented by the President of India, usually in March or April.

Award Components: Each recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.

Other Important Features

Annual Cap: The total number of Padma Awards conferred in a year is normally limited to 120. This limit excludes posthumous awards and awards conferred on Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).

Not a Title: Padma Awards do not constitute titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the recipient's name.

Fields of Recognition: The awards recognise distinguished contributions across diverse fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil service, among others.


 

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