![](https://www.nextias.com/ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2197306Screenshot.png)
In News
- The President of India has presented the Padma Awards to the recipient for the year 2020.
- 7 Padma Vibhushans, 10 Padma Bhushan and 102 Padma Shri awards.
Padma Awards
- About:
- Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India.
- Announced annually on the eve of Republic Day (26th January).
- Awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
- The names of the awardees are published in the Gazette of India
- Does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name. (they are not prohibited by Article 18)
- Objectives:
- To recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines of public service.
- History:
- Initially two civilian awards i.e Bharat Ratna & Padma Vibhushan were instituted in 1954.
- Later had three classes namely Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg.
- Subsequently renaming was done as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri in 1955.
- Categories:
- 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).
- Disciplines:
- Art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service etc.
- Selection Process:
- Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
- Even self-nomination can be made; without any distinction.
- Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these awards.
Bharat Ratna
- Highest civilian award of the country (exceptional service of the highest order in any field).
- It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award.
- Recommendations: PM to the President of India.
- Numbers: Restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
- Later, it was awarded to Bhupen Hazarika, Pranab Mukherjee, and Nanaji Deshmukh in 2019.
Source: PIB
Previous article
Haryana Law on Local Hiring
Next article
Submarine Vela