(a) whether the Government had recommended the name of Sachin Tendulkar
for `Bharat Ratna`;
(b) whether the name of Sachin Tendulkar had approval of Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons for deciding on Bharat Ratna to Sachin Tendulkar
without approval?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (d): In terms of extant practice, the Prime Minister makes the recommendations
for Bharat Ratna Award to the President and the name for the Bharat Ratna award is
announced by the President’s Secretariat after obtaining the approval of the President.
The Prime Minister is free to consult or obtain advice from any one he chooses. No
formal recommendation is required in this regard. On 15.11.2013, Prime Minister
recommended to the President the name of Shri Sachin Tendulkar for conferment of
Bharat Ratna, which was approved by the President of India on 16.11.2013.