Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, MS Swaminathan
- The Bharat Ratna will be conferred on former Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh along with agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan.
- This is in addition to the two awardees already announced - socialist leader Karpoori Thakur and former Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani.
P. V. Narasimha Rao's Legacy
- P. V. Narasimha Rao is credited with liberalizing the Indian economy during his tenure as Prime Minister (1991-1996).
- He had a complicated relationship with the Congress party due to controversies like the Babri Masjid demolition.
- The Prime Minister stated that P. V. Narasimha Rao's visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced.
Choudhary Charan Singh's Contribution
- Choudhary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister (1979-1980), is hailed for his dedication to farmers and democracy, particularly during the Emergency.
M. S. Swaminathan's Impact
- M. S. Swaminathan is recognized for his pivotal role in achieving agricultural self-reliance and modernization in India.
Bharat Ratna
- Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
- Instituted in 1954, the award is conferred in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order, without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex.
Key Features
- There is no requirement for the Bharat Ratna to be conferred annually, nor is there a stipulation mandating that it must be awarded exclusively to Indian citizens.
- Recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister of India to the President.
- The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
- However, this year’s tally of five awardees, one more than the four announced in 1999, is the highest that has ever been announced in a single year.
- On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
- The Award does not carry any monetary grant.
- In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name.
Prelims Takeaway
- Bharat Ratna
- M. S. Swaminathan