NEW DELHI: The Modi Government has brought in drastic changes in the mechanism of selecting people for Padma awards, Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Stating this in the House during Question Hour, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said unlike the past, now under the NDA dispensation selection is made of only those who work tirelessly and discharge their role in any field in a selfless manner.
“It is for the first time in country’s history since Independence that as many as ten farmers have been honoured with Padma awards,” he said.
“Earlier, influence mattered and those who were close to power benefitted,” he remarked.
Mr Rai was responding to queries from Trinamool Congress MP Prasun Banerjee.
The Minister said under the personal supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself a ‘democratic system’ has been put on place under which talents in various fields are spotted and then selected for the prestigious Padma awards.
The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year.
(AGENCIES)
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