MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) & (b): Padma Awards are given for exceptional/ distinguished service in various disciplines/
fields. In terms of extant procedures /guidelines regulating Padma Awards, nominations for the awards
are open to all. Besides inviting nominations from institutional sources like State Governments/UT
Administrations, Central Ministries/ departments, Institutes of Excellence and Bharat
Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, a large number of recommendations are also received from various
other sources like Governors, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Private
institutions/bodies and individuals, etc. All nominations/ recommendations received in the Ministry
by the due date are placed before the Padma Awards Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary for its
consideration. The Padma Awards Committee scrutinizes all nominations and submits its recommendations
after due verification of the credentials to the Home Minister, Prime Minister and the President for
approval.
(c) & (d): No, Madam. There have been no cases of rejection of award after conferment by the President
of India during the last three years. Padma Award for the current year has not been conferred so far.
(e): The current process of selection for the Padma Awards is transparent enough as outlined in answer
to (a) to (b) above and no further changes are contemplated in the selection process.
