"Change will be powered by each and every citizen of India," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at a meet organised by Niti Aayog.
To possibly emphasise his statement, Modi announced that recommendations for nominations to the Padma Awards would now not just be entitled to government officials alone, but be open to the public as well.
"Remember how Padma Awards were given earlier? We brought in a 'small' change - people can recommend names for awards, unlike the past," PM Modi said today at the 'Champions
of Change' programme held in the national capital.
The Centre's website on the civilian honour awards, padmaawards.gov.in, enlists "private individuals" as eligible to send in nominations to the Padma Awards Committee for consideration. This category has been included alongside the Central/State Ministers, Chief Ministers/Governors of State, Members of Parliament and other public officials who otherwise are invited to send in their recommendations every year from 1st May to 15th September.
The website also provides online registration facility for the public to login and nominate. Separate provisions for those not possessing an Aadhaar have been provided. A flowchart explaining the steps in a simple manner is available as well.
The Padma Awards Committee is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. It is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six members.
The Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President for approval.
The Awards are announced on the eve of the Republic Day every year.