To make the process of conferring Padma awards more transparent, the home ministry has issued a revised proforma for people who wish to apply for the prestigious civilian honours.
Apart from the basic information about the applicant, the new proforma seeks information on his or her field of activity such as art, sports, social work, among others, and a citation in the form of a write-up indicating distinctions or achievements obtained in the field of activity concerned.
Te home ministry said the write-up should not be more than two pages or over 800 words. The filled-up proforma and citation should be sent in soft copy through email (uspublic@mha.gov.in) and also to be sent in hard copy by post to the union home secretary.
The award for which name is recommended – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri -- from the fields of art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, civil service and sports should be mentioned.
A high-level committee comprising the cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the prime minister, secretary to the President, the union home secretary besides others shortlist the names of the Padma awardees. The names of Padma awardees are announced on the eve of Republic Day.
