Padma Awards

• 11 Jun 2021

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 (26^th 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.
• 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.

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.

Source: PIB