Context:
The online nominations/recommendations process for the Padma Awards 2025 began on May 1, with September 15 as the last date.
Key Highlights:
- The nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards will be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in).
- The government aims to transform the Padma Awards into “People’s Padma” by encouraging nominations from all citizens, including self-nomination.
- Intensive efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements deserve recognition from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons, and who are doing selfless service to the society.
Padma Awards
- The Padma Awards are one of India’s highest civilian honors, instituted in 1954.
- The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day (January 26th) every year.
- The awardees receive a certificate (a Sanad) signed by the President and a medallion.
- The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120.
- The award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.
Objectives:
- To recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions of individuals in various disciplines.
- To inspire future generations to strive for excellence.
- To showcase India’s rich diversity and achievements across fields.
Categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: Highest civilian award, for exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order.
- Padma Shri: Distinguished service.
Disciplines:
- Awarded in various fields including:
- Art (including music, literature, theatre, etc.)
- Social service
- Science & Engineering
- Medicine
- Sports
- Civil Service
- Public Affairs
- Trade & Industry
- Education & Academics
Eligibility:
- All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards.
- Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.
- Posthumous awards are possible (in exceptional circumstances).
Nomination Process:
- Open to the public.
- Nominations submitted online through the Padma Awards portal.
- Self-nominations are also accepted.
- Detailed information about the nominee’s achievements and contributions is required.
Selection Process:
- All nominations for the Padma Awards are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, which is formed annually by the Prime Minister.
- The Committee is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and comprises the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and four to six distinguished individuals.
- Final approval by the President of India and Prime Minister.
- The awards are presented by the President of India.