Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, MS Swaminathan

Last Updated11/02/2024

The Bharat Ratna will be conferred on former Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh along with agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan.
This is in addition to the two awardees already announced - socialist leader Karpoori Thakur and former Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani.

P. V. Narasimha Rao is credited with liberalizing the Indian economy during his tenure as Prime Minister (1991-1996).
He had a complicated relationship with the Congress party due to controversies like the Babri Masjid demolition.
The Prime Minister stated that P. V. Narasimha Rao's visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced.

Choudhary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister (1979-1980), is hailed for his dedication to farmers and democracy, particularly during the Emergency.

M. S. Swaminathan is recognized for his pivotal role in achieving agricultural self-reliance and modernization in India.

Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
Instituted in 1954, the award is conferred in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order, without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex.

There is no requirement for the Bharat Ratna to be conferred annually, nor is there a stipulation mandating that it must be awarded exclusively to Indian citizens.
Recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister of India to the President.
The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
- However, this year’s tally of five awardees, one more than the four announced in 1999, is the highest that has ever been announced in a single year.
On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
- The Award does not carry any monetary grant.
In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name.