Important Facts For Prelims
Padma Awards
- 11 Jun 2021
- 2 min read
Why in News
Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2022 are open.
- In 2021, a total of 119 Padma awards were conferred, including 7 padma vibhushan, 10 padma bhushan and 102 padma shri.
Key Points
- Background:
- The Padma Awards are announced annually on Republic Day (26th January).
- Instituted in 1954, it is one of the highest civilian honours of India.
- Objective:
- To recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
- Categories:
- The Awards are given in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service),
- Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and
- Padma Shri (distinguished service).
- Padma Vibhushan is highest in the hierarchy of Padma Awards followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
- The Awards are given in three categories:
- Disciplines:
- The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service etc.
- Eligibility:
- All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards.
- Selection Process:
- Padma Awards Committee:
- The Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
- Awarded by President:
- The awards are presented by the President of India usually in the month of March/April every year.
- Padma Awards Committee:
Bharat Ratna
- It 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. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
- The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.