Question : Norms for Bharat Ratna Awards

(a) whether any norms have been fixed for conferring the highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to honour the martyred and brave revolutionaries Bhagat Singhji, Rajguruji and Sukhdevji with the highest civilian award of the country ‘Bharat Ratna’ as they happily accepted the punishment without bowing down before the British and never tendered apology to them; and

(d) if so, the time by which they are likely to be awarded and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) and (b): Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. In terms of extant practice, the Prime Minister makes recommendations for Bharat Ratna award for approval by the President.

(c) and (d): The decisions regarding award of Bharat Ratna are taken from time to time. No formal recommendations for this are necessary.
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