About

• Padma Awards, which were instituted in 1954, are announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except for brief interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997. 
• The Award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved. It is given in three categories, namely,
  • Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service;
  • Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and
  • Padma Shri for distinguished service.

Who is eligible?

• 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.

Various Fields

• The Padma awards are given across various fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, civil services, sports and others (fields not covered above and may include propagation of Indian Culture, protection of Human Rights, Wild Life protection/conservation etc.)

Who decides?

• The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. 
• The nomination process is open to the public. Even self-nomination can be made.
• The Padma Awards 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.
• Recipients of these awards receive a medal and a certificate signed by the President of India.

Maximum number of awards

• The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to foreigners) should not be more than 120.

Note:

• The award does not amount to a title under Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.
• The award is normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, the Government could consider giving an award posthumously.
• A higher category of Padma award can be conferred on a person only where a period of at least five years has elapsed since conferment of the earlier Padma award. However, in highly deserving cases, a relaxation can be made by the Awards Committee. 

Why in News?

• Nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2025 have begun from 01st May 2024. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September, 2024. 

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