Question

Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards :

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of ‘the Constitution of India.

2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.

3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements are not correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

• The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• The Awards are given in three categories:
  • Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service)
  • Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and
  • Padma Shri (distinguished service)
• The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
• Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, is announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except for brief interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997. it is suspended many times. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
• The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
• In 1996, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the National Awards — Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Sri.
• It ruled that these awards do not amount to ‘titles’ within the meaning of Article 18 that prohibits only hereditary titles of nobility.
• Therefore, they are not violative of Article 18 as the theory of equality does not mandate that merit should not be recognized. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.

• Bharat Ratna
  • It is the highest civilian award in the country.
  • It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
  • It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award.
  • The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
  • No formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary.
  • The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
  • The first-ever Indian to receive this award was the famous scientist, Dr Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
  • The last Bharat Ratna award was given to Bhupen Hazarika, Pranab Mukherjee, and Nanaji Deshmukh in 2019.
  • No Bharat Ratna Award has been given in 2020 and 2021.
  • The government has conferred Bharat Ratna Award on 48 persons to date.