Online Desk, New Delhi. Recently, Bajrang Punia, the Olympic award winner in wrestling, made an announcement stating his intention to return the Padma Award bestowed upon him by the Government of India. It is worth noting that Bajrang Punia is not the first individual to express such sentiments regarding the return of the Padma Award. Several previous recipients have also voiced their intentions to do the same.
These Rules are related to Padma Award:
These regulations pertain to the Padma Award. As per a report published in the Times of India, any award recipient has the option to return their award by providing valid reasons. However, in the case of the Padma Award, there is no specific provision for its return. The rule governing the Padma Award stipulates that unless there is a substantial reason, the award cannot be revoked. Only if the President deems it necessary, can the name of the recipient be withdrawn.
Nevertheless, the award regulations also outline the process for revoking the President’s instructions if an award cancellation occurs.
The nominated person is asked for his wish
In the year 2018, Kiren Rijiju, the former Minister of State for Home, stated in the Rajya Sabha that individuals nominated for National Awards undergo a thorough examination and character verification by the country’s investigating agencies. Following this process, the nominees are traditionally asked whether they desire to accept the award or not before their names are officially announced. Although this inquiry is conducted in an informal manner, if the recipient declines the award, their name is not included in the records.
Name not removed from gazette
Furthermore, once an individual receives the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Shri award, their name is published in the Gazette of India. A register is maintained to document the recipients of these awards. Even if a recipient later expresses their intention to return the award, their name and the award they received will not be removed from the register.