The Padma awards have been announced a day before the 75th Republic Day. This year 132 people will be honored with the Padma award. Of these, 5 will be honored with Padma Vibhushan, 17 with Padma Bhushan and 110 with Padma Shri.
The Padma Awards are Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri which are the highest civilian awards of the country. It is announced every year since 1954 on the occasion of Republic Day.
Padma Vibhushan had three categories. First Class, Second Class, Third Class. The names of these classes were later changed. A notification was issued on 8 January 1955, after which the categories were named Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
Padma awards are given to exceptional achievers and exceptional work in many fields including arts, literature, education, sports, medicine, social service, science, engineering, public work, business and industry.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, any person is eligible for these awards. However, government employees are not eligible for these awards till they remain in office. However, doctors and scientists are exempted from this.
Every year an award ceremony is organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Meanwhile, the Padma awardees are presented with a certificate and medal bearing the President’s signature and seal.
The names of the awardees are published in the Gazette of India on the day of the presentation ceremony.No amount is paid in this award. Also no rail travel or air travel facilities are provided.