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For the year 2024, the President approved conferment of 132 Padma awards, up from 106 such awards last year.

Padma Awards 2024 List

• The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan (see Table), 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri awards. 
• While 30 awardees are women, the list also includes 9 persons from the category of “Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI” and 9 posthumous awardees.

About Padma Awards

• The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• It is provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
  • The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service. 
  • The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order. 
  • The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields.

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Padma Awards History and Relevance

• The Government of India introduced two civilian awards in 1954: Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan.
• • Padma Vibhushan initially had three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg.
  • It was later renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri in 1955 respectively.

Padma Awards Eligibility and Purpose

Eligibility: Individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, can qualify for these awards. Nevertheless, government employees, excluding doctors and scientists, are not eligible, including those employed in public sector undertakings (PSUs).

Purpose: The award is given to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields.

Fields Recognized:

• Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports.

Padma Awards Selection Process

• Padma Awards are granted based on recommendations from the annually formed Padma Awards Committee appointed by the Prime Minister.
• The public can participate in the nomination process, including the option of self-nomination.

News source: The Hindu

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