NEW DELHI: The online nomination or recommendation process for the 2019 Padma awards will close on September 15, a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) statement said on Tuesday.
Already 1,654 registrations have been made on the website, out of which 1,207 nominations and recommendations have been completed since the nominations opened on May 1.
"Nominations have been invited from Central Ministries, Departments, States, Union Territory Governments, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Institutes of Excellence as also from several other sources to enable broad-based consideration", the statement said.
In earlier communication with them on April 25, the MHA requested them to make concerted efforts in identifying talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognised, and make suitable nominations in their favour.
The nominations or recommendations for the Padma awards are being received online only on the Padma portal www.padmaawards.gov.in.
All citizens can make nominations or recommendation including self-nomination.
The Padma awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, instituted in 1954, are among the highest civilian awards of the country and are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year.
The award seeks to recognise 'work of distinction' and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements, service in all fields or disciplines such as, art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry.
The MHA communication requested that efforts may be made to identify talented persons from among women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs and Divyang (specially abled) persons, who deserve to be considered for the award.