Delhi to nominate doctors, healthcare workers for Padma awards

Addressing a digital press briefing, Kejriwal said the Delhi government will take suggestions from the public to decide the nominees, their names will be sent to the Centre as Delhi’s recommendation

New Delhi: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Delhi government will nominate only doctors and health care workers this year for the country’s second, third and fourth highest civilian awards, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, to honour their contribution in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. Bharat Ratna is the country’s highest civilian award.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. (ANI)

Kejriwal said his government would take suggestions from the public to decide the nominees before sending their names to the Union government.“The contribution of doctors and health care workers has been immense throughout this pandemic. Many such doctors have even lost their lives while treating Covid-19 patients in service of the nation. It is time we honour them. Hence, the Delhi government has decided to nominate only doctors and health care workers for the three Padma awards this year.”

The Union government seeks recommendations from every state for the awards.

“Anyone who wants to suggest a doctor or health care worker for the Padma awards can mail us at padmaawards.delhi@gmail.com. In the mail, please explain why the person is deserving of the award. You can send in your suggestions by August 15. We have set up a search and screening committee with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia as its chairperson,” said Kejriwal. He added once all suggestions are in, the panel will screen the names over the following fortnight and then send the names to the Union government. “The last date to send the nominations to the Centre is September 15. So, we want to do this well in time,” Kejriwal added.

The Delhi government has offered compensation of ₹1 crore each to health care and front line workers who died due to Covid-19 while performing duties related to the pandemic.So far, the Delhi government has given this compensation to at least 17 families.