NEW DELHI: Over 2,500 persons from different walks of life have so far applied for Padma awards which are to be announced on the eve of Republic Day in January 2018.
Nomination process for Padma awards is on and over 2,500 persons applied for same till June 30, a Union Home Ministry official said.
The last date for receipt of nominations for the coveted civilian honours for 2018 is September 15, 2017. In 2016, as many as 18,761 nominations were received.
Recommendations can be made by State Governments, Union Territories, ministries, departments of the Union Government, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Central and State ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors of state, members of Parliament, private individuals and bodies, among others.
The nominations or recommendations for the awards are received online only on the Padma portal designed by the ministry. The Padma awards committee, constituted by the Prime Minister every year, screens the recommendations and a decision is taken by the Ministry accordingly.
The Padma awards are given in recognition of distinction and exceptional achievements in different fields and disciplines including art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry among others.