Controversy Erupts Over Padma Bhushan to Ex-Governor Koshyari
Congress and NCP criticize Padma Bhushan award to ex-Governor Koshyari.
Photo by Zayed Ahmed Zadu
Congress leaders Harshwardhan Sapkal and Varsha Gaikwad criticized the decision to confer the Padma Bhushan on former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. They stated that Koshyari had insulted a constitutional office and hurt the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said Koshyari had repeatedly made controversial remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other revered icons.
Awarding Mr. Koshyari shows the BJP’s “arrogance of power” and its disregard for Maharashtra’s history and cultural pride.
Key Facts
Padma Bhushan to Bhagat Singh Koshyari criticized
Criticism by Congress and NCP(SP)
Koshyari accused of insulting Maharashtra's icons
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude - Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the significance of civilian awards and controversies surrounding them.
Visual Insights
Controversies Surrounding Governors in India (2016-2026)
Timeline of controversies involving Governors in India, highlighting the context of the recent Padma Bhushan controversy.
The role of the Governor in India has often been a subject of debate, particularly concerning their discretionary powers and relationship with the state government. These controversies highlight the need for a clear definition of the Governor's role and responsibilities.
- 2016Arunachal Pradesh: Governor's role in government formation questioned by Supreme Court.
- 2018Karnataka: Governor's decision to invite BJP to form government after elections sparks controversy.
- 2019Maharashtra: Governor's early morning swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as CM leads to political turmoil.
- 2020Rajasthan: Governor's delay in convening assembly session raises concerns about political neutrality.
- 2021Tamil Nadu: Governor's delay in assenting to NEET exemption bill creates friction with the state government.
- 2022West Bengal: Governor's frequent clashes with the state government over law and order issues.
- 2023Kerala: Governor's reservations about certain state government policies lead to public disagreements.
- 2024Punjab: Governor-CM face-off over convening of assembly session.
- 2025Telangana: Governor's remarks on state government's financial management draw criticism.
- 2026Controversy erupts over Padma Bhushan to ex-Governor Koshyari due to past controversial remarks.
More Information
Background
The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, were instituted in 1954. Initially, they were called 'Desh Ratna'. The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service).
These awards seek to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved. The awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhavan usually around March/ April every year. The recommendations for these awards are made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the selection process for Padma Awards has faced increased scrutiny and debate, particularly regarding the criteria for selection and the perceived political affiliations of some recipients. There have been calls for greater transparency in the nomination and selection process. The government has emphasized the importance of recognizing unsung heroes and individuals who have made significant contributions at the grassroots level.
Future trends may include further reforms to ensure a more inclusive and merit-based selection process, potentially incorporating public feedback and independent assessments. The focus is shifting towards recognizing individuals who have made a tangible impact on society, rather than just those with high public profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Padma Bhushan award to ex-Governor Koshyari controversial?
The Padma Bhushan award to Bhagat Singh Koshyari is controversial because Congress and NCP(SP) leaders have criticized the decision, stating that he insulted a constitutional office and hurt the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra with his remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other revered icons.
2. What are Padma Awards? What are the different categories?
Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India, given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service). They recognize achievements in all fields of activity.
- •Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service
- •Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order
- •Padma Shri: Distinguished service
3. What are the key criticisms against Bhagat Singh Koshyari that led to the controversy?
Bhagat Singh Koshyari is accused of making controversial remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other revered icons of Maharashtra. Critics argue that these remarks insulted a constitutional office and hurt the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra.
4. How might this controversy affect the image of the Padma Awards?
The controversy surrounding the Padma Bhushan award to Bhagat Singh Koshyari could raise questions about the selection process and potential political influences in conferring the awards. This can lead to debates about the credibility and impartiality of the Padma Awards.
5. What is the historical background of the Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954. Initially, they were called 'Desh Ratna'.
6. What are the key facts to remember about the Padma Awards for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For UPSC Prelims, remember that the Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors, given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They were instituted in 1954 and recognize achievements in all fields.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Padma Awards: 1. The awards were initially called 'Desh Ratna'. 2. Recommendations for the awards are made by a committee constituted by the President of India. 3. Padma Bhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Padma Awards were indeed initially called 'Desh Ratna'. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The recommendations are made by the Padma Awards Committee constituted by the Prime Minister, not the President. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of a high order, while Padma Vibhushan is for exceptional and distinguished service.
2. In the context of controversies surrounding the Padma Awards, which of the following factors is often cited as a concern?
- A.Lack of recognition for foreign nationals
- B.Perceived political affiliations of some recipients
- C.Limited number of awards given annually
- D.Absence of posthumous awards
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is the most accurate. One of the main controversies surrounding the Padma Awards is the perception that some recipients are chosen based on their political affiliations rather than solely on their merits and contributions to society. While the other options might be concerns in some contexts, they are not as frequently cited as the political aspect.
3. Which of the following statements regarding the eligibility criteria for Padma Awards is NOT correct?
- A.The awards seek to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
- B.Government servants, including those working with Public Sector Undertakings, are eligible for the award.
- C.The award is normally not conferred posthumously.
- D.A higher category of Padma award can be conferred on a person only if a period of at least five years has elapsed since conferment of the earlier Padma award.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is NOT correct. Government servants, including those working with Public Sector Undertakings, are NOT eligible for the Padma Awards, except for doctors and scientists. The other statements accurately reflect the eligibility criteria for the awards.