Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the Padma Awards:
1. These awards are considered as ‘title’ for the purpose of article 18 of the Constitution of India.
2. The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the President of India.
3. Any citizen of India can send recommendations for nominations.
4. All Government servants are eligible for Padma Awards.
How many statements given above are correct?
Exp) Option a is the correct answer
Statement 1 is incorrect: In Balaji Raghavan vs Union of India case, the supreme court of India held that ‘the Bharat Ratna and the Padma awards cannot be categorized under Article 18(1) as they are not titles but merely an honorary award’,
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members. The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.
Statement 3 is correct. The nomination process is open to the public. Even self-nomination can be made. The government allows common citizens to submit nominations for Padma Awards. The nominations, when invited, can be submitted online on the official Padma Awards website, padmaawards. gov.in.
Statement 4 is incorrect. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards. However, Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these Awards
