Ministry of Home Affairs received a record number of 49,992 nominations for the Padma Awards

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received a record number of 49,992 nominations for the Padma Awards — 32 times higher than nominations received in 2010. The government has made certain reforms in the selection process. People are encouraged to nominate unsung heroes who deserve these top civilian awards. The government made the nomination process online allowing citizens to participate in the exercise. 

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“The technological intervention that has made the nomination process accessible to the people at large and the emphasis of the Government to confer Padma Awards upon unsung heroes, who are doing selfless service to the nation, has resulted in a transformation,” said MHA spokesperson. 

In 2017, the total number of nominations received was 35,595 and in 2016 the number was 18,768.

The online nomination process for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2019 commenced on 1st May 2018 and the last date for submission of nominations was September 15, 2018. 

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Nominations were invited from Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Governments, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Institutes of Excellence as also from several other sources to enable broad-based consideration. All citizens can make nominations/recommendation including self-nomination. As against 1,313 nominations received in 2010, 18,768 were received in the year 2016 and 35,595 nominations in 2017.

The nomination process for Padma Awards was made online in the year 2016; and a simple, accessible and secure online platform was put in place to encourage citizens to participate in large numbers.

Instituted in 1954, these awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The government has transformed the Padma awards into a 'People's Awards' in true sense. People are encouraged to nominate unsung heroes who deserve these top civilian awards, the statement said.

Nominations were invited from central ministries, departments, states, union territories, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, institutes of excellence as also from several other sources to enable broad-based consideration. All citizens can make nominations and recommendation including self-nomination.

(With inputs from PTI)