Introduction to Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, stands as a testament to the nation’s appreciation of exceptional service and performance across any field of human endeavour. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the progress of India, transcending distinctions of race, occupation, position, or sex.
Bharat Ratna Prize Money
Recipients of the Bharat Ratna are awarded a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion, symbols of their exemplary contribution to their field and the nation. Notably, the award does not include a monetary grant, underscoring its focus on honouring unparalleled service rather than providing financial reward.
Facilities For Bharat Ratna Winners
Although the benefits of the Bharat Ratna award do not include any monetary gains, there do exist certain privileges such as those mentioned below:
- The Bharat Ratna recipients are accorded the same treatment given to the government dignitaries when they travel across the country.
- The Bharat Ratna benefits also include an existing diplomatic passport which happens to be issued to only Indian diplomats, top-ranking officers inside the government departments, and the diplomatic couriers. The diplomatic passport provides them with the benefits of a separate immigration counter and access to a VIP lounge inside the airports.
- They get lifetime access to fly in the executive class for free.
- The Table of Precedence is a list made for State and Ceremonial occasions by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This protocol has to be followed when holding a public function in India. The Bharat Ratna awardees have been placed at the position 7A in this list along with the President, Vice- President, Prime Minister, Governor of the respective State, Former Presidents, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Chief Justice of India along with Speaker of Lok Sabha placed above them,
- The award recipient receives a medallion, a miniature, and a certificate signed by the President of India.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
A Universal Honour
The Bharat Ratna is unique in its inclusivity, open to anyone regardless of their background or profession. This universal eligibility criterion ensures that the award truly celebrates merit and exceptional contribution to society.
Prime Ministerial Recommendations
The nomination process for the Bharat Ratna is distinctive, with recommendations made directly by the Prime Minister to the President of India. Unlike many other awards, there is no need for formal recommendations, emphasizing the award’s prestige and the significance of the Prime Minister’s discretion.