(a) the criteria followed by the Government for awarding the Padmashree Award;
(b) whether there is any limit on the number of these awards to persons who have excelled in the field of sports; and
(c) if so, the reasons for not honouring the sports administrators with these awards?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MANIKRAO HODLYA GAVIT)
(a): Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for Padma awards. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. All recommendations received in the Ministry are considered by the Padma Awards Committee comprising of distinguished persons nominated by the Prime Minister. The Committee applies highest standards while selecting persons in various fields and submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): All nominations/recommendations received for Padma Awards, including that of persons recommended in the field of Sports, are placed before the Padma Awards Committee. It is the Committee`s prerogative to select suitable persons for the award, keeping in view the merit of each case.