Those who stay away from publicity and work consistently for social welfare to be recommended for Padma awards, says Maharashtra minister Jaykumar Rawal

Mumbai: Protocol minister Jaykumar Rawal on Tuesday said individuals who stay away from publicity and work consistently and dedicatedly for the far-reaching social welfare in various fields to become an inspiration for the society will be recommended for the Padma awards.

Rawal heads the ministerial committee to recommend names for the Padma awards. The committee met on Tuesday.

Members include school education minister Dadaji Bhuse, industries and Marathi language minister Uday Samant, environment and climate change minister Pankaja Munde, women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare, public works minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale and secretary of protocol department Rajesh Gawande.

Rawal said the government is trying to honour the meritorious individuals who have worked selflessly in various fields of Maharashtra at the national level through Padma awards. “While recommending, priority should be given to the actual contribution made to the society, consistency in work and inspiring personality rather than just fame. Also, to maintain the status and prestige of the Padma awards, it is necessary to select only those who have done truly remarkable work,” Rawal said.

“A comprehensive scrutiny will be conducted and final recommendations will be sent to the Centre so that individuals who have made notable contributions in various fields such as art, literature, education, social work, science, agriculture, industry, environment, public service etc in the state can be honored at the national level,” Rawal said.

Last month, in a move that has surprised many in political circles, culture minister Ashish Shelar was kept out of the committee formed to recommend the names of distinguished individuals who have excelled in various fields for the Padma Awards 2027. In recent years, the culture minister has either headed the panel or always been part of it.