The government has decided not to confer Padma Awards to serving bureaucrats, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran said a decision has been taken by the government to keep its officials and employees out of the category of Padma Awards.
"Serving government servants are not eligible for Padma Awards as per a decision taken by the government," he said in reply to a question.
Ramachandran said the government has instituted the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration to acknowledge, recognise and reward extraordinary and innovative work done by officers of the Central and state governments.
"Initially, such awards were given in 2007. All serving officers of the Central and state governments, either individually or as a team or as an organisation, are eligible for the awards," he said.
The awards, carrying a medal, scroll and cash, are presented by the prime minister on the occasion of Civil Services Day on April 21 every year.
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