Bharat Ratna - Privileges and Precedence Accorded to Nation's Jewels

Red carpet rolled out throughout India, free luxury travel, and preferential treatment at Indian missions abroad are only some of the privileges extended to Bharat Ratna awardees. Read on to find out what the Government of India offers to these individuals who have served India with selfless devotion and fervor.

What is this article about?

I doubt that Bharat Ratna ever received as much publicity as in the case of the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. Being the highest civilian award of the land probably was not enough itself and a public celebrity was required to get this honor to become a mass curiosity. Perhaps Prof. Rao, who was also awarded the same as Sachin would thank the latter for the coverage this year’s award received in media. As soon as the awards this year were announced, everyone seemed to have an opinion on whether and why should Sachin be awarded the honor. 

No, this is not a post extending the argument on one or the other side of the debate but more of the knowledge I gained in pursuit of satisfying my curiosity. Amidst all the news of the award, the reasons behind Sachin being awarded it (both political and non-political), and other greats who were passed on, I was one who thought about something that should not actually matter but then if there is a question, quest for the answer begins. 

The question is – What privileges does the government of India extend to the designated jewels of the nation?

How did we find the answers? My RTI Journey!

My pursuit of an answer led me to spend a lot of time looking online for information and I was surprised by the absence of any reliable source providing the information on privileges/benefits associated with these awards. I presume it is not an important factor overall for those who give and those who receive these awards. However, the curious mind still wanted an answer. I started with a number of non-authoritative sources to build initial conjectures and get a bigger picture. 

Then I moved to getting some additional information and sought reliable information. The quest prompted me to go to the most reliable source at least in this respect, the Indian Government. I leveraged the most powerful tool available to citizens for getting information from the government - Right to Information. I submitted an application online (at RTI Portal) on the 27th of February 2014, to the Ministry of Home Affairs (the nodal agency) and was allotted a reference number of MHOME/R/2014/60540. The ministry responded on the 9th of April which was subsequently sent electronically on April 15th. 

While the information in the response only provided headlines, I tried to delve into some details,, and here is what I found about the privileges being extended to those who are considered to be Jewels by the country. This is so far the most authoritative source of this information to the extent I am aware.

Bharat Ratna - An Introduction

What is this award about?

Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, holds immense significance and prestige. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation in various fields. The term "Bharat Ratna" translates to "Jewel of India," and rightly so, as it recognizes those who have truly shone brightly in their respective domains. 

The recipients of Bharat Ratna have left an indelible mark on society through their exemplary work. Their contributions have not only brought laurels to India but also inspired generations to strive for excellence. From Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's pioneering efforts in space research to Mother Teresa's tireless dedication toward the underprivileged, each recipient has made a lasting impact on society.

Moreover, Bharat Ratna serves as a reminder that greatness knows no boundaries or limitations. It transcends caste, creed, religion, or gender and celebrates human potential at its finest. By recognizing individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions with this esteemed award, India showcases its commitment to inclusivity and equal recognition of talent.

The awardee need not be a citizen of India and there is precedence for this in the history of these awards. Actually, it was not always this, though. 

How are the recipients decided?

The process of awarding this coveted title and the eligibility criteria of recipients have evolved over time. Since 1954, when these awards were first instituted, until November 2011 fields of art, literature, science, and public services were the only areas for which this honor could be awarded. Also, initially, only Indian citizens were eligible to receive these awards. However, significant changes were made in 2011 to expand the scope of these awards. The eligibility restriction for Indian citizens was removed so that anyone around the world who has contributed to bringing betterment for India could be awarded. Also, the restrictions on the fields of this honor were removed. 

The way the recipients are decided is an interesting process. There are no formal protocols or processes required and even a formal recommendation is not needed. As a tradition, the Prime Minister recommends the names of recipients to the President personally - read it as a back-of-the-napkin list of names. The number of awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year but that is all the restriction there is. The Prime Minister has the discretion to use whatever ways he or she may deem necessary to choose the right names. He may very well whisper his own name into the President's ear and that is all he needs to do to get one himself (yes this has happened as well!). 

Most times, there is a committee, formal or informal to guide the Prime Minister. This committee generally gives a shortlist of names which are then finalized by the Prime Minister's office. A number of considerations go into the final list of names including public perception, political compulsions, and personal preferences. For a country like India, where bureaucratic red tape is infamous for delaying every public policy execution, this kind of informal setup for such a prestigious award is surprisingly baffling!

The Award Itself - What and How!

The Bharat Ratna is presented by the President of India in a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award includes a certificate (also called a Sanad) and a medallion. Both have a very special significance. There is no monetary grand or reward associated with Bharat Ratna. However, money is also not the point for those who have served the country selflessly. 

The Medallion of Bharat Ratna

The medal itself is an embodiment of honor and prestige. It is in the form of a peepal leaf, about 5.8 cm long, 4.7 cm wide, and 3.1 mm thick. Crafted with utmost precision, it features an image of the Sun surrounded by two lotus flowers on its front side while the emblem of India adorns its reverse side. Made from gold-plated bronze, this iconic medal represents excellence and is cherished by recipients throughout their lives. Below the Sun on the front side, the words "Bharat Ratna" embossed in Devanagari Script stand strong to make the holder proud of the achievement. The awards are produced at Kolkata Mint.

The Sanad, or certificate, accompanying the Bharat Ratna medal holds immense value. It not only acknowledges the recipient's accomplishments but also serves as a testament to their dedication and hard work. The Sanad is personally signed by the President of India. 

The Honor Associated is the Reward - Privileges Accorded to Bharat Ratna Recipients

Accorded to the Level of State Guests for Domestic Travel

State governments have been advised to declare Bharat Ratna awardees as state guests during their travel within India in states. 

Whenever a Bharat Ratna awardee travels in India, he is considered a VVIP (the top level of precedence) and would be accorded the best treatment as laid down by the rules for the visit of a state guest. Every state has prescribed rules for providing facilities to visitors designated as State Guests. These rules cover various provisions required for the purpose of reception, transport, boarding, and lodging for such guests. A special budgetary provision is generally kept for such visits and a separate department that deals with protocols is designated to handle requirements. Whatever the variances, one thing that would be common is the priority and precedence accorded ahead of others!

Support during International Travel

Indian Missions abroad would provide proper facilitation as and when requested by awardees on their visits abroad

The Ministry of External Affairs in India advises its embassies and other missions across the world about the protocols and privileges associated with visits of various dignitaries. Awardees would be considered VVIP as per Indian standards. They would be accorded preferential treatment at Indian missions and would be provided due facilities and support as requested. Preferably their visits and itineraries are advised to relevant missions and the awardees may be received at the airports / entry-points by designated personnel. Embassies/missions would be expected to make arrangements for boarding/lodging and transportation for these guests.

The Three Types of Indian Passports

Diplomatic Passports as Honor

Bharat Ratna awardees are entitled to Diplomatic Passports which gives them the status of India's official representative. 

Diplomatic Passport is a special category of passports that is issued to Indian diplomats, top-ranking government officials, and diplomatic couriers. Such passports have maroon cover to distinguish them from other categories and carry a certain level of privileges with them. Carriers of these passports are generally provided preferential treatment at most of the airports across the world including a separate immigration counter and lounge access by airlines. Individuals with these passports are considered representative of the country and special protocols are attached to these accordingly.

Official Table of Precedence of India

The nation's jewels are figured in column 7A of the Table of Precedence which gives them certain rights over mere mortals.

The Bharat Ratna awardees are placed along with union cabinet ministers and state chief ministers in the order of precedence of the Republic of India. There are at any point in time, 6 people apart from former presidents of India who are above a Bharat Ratna awardee in the list. The order is established by the President of India and is maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The position entitles the awardees to special rights including those of being invited to all the functions organized by the government for the celebration of national festivals.

Free Travel on Public Transport

They are entitled to lifetime free executive class travel on Air India!

The award comes with a lifelong privilege to travel on a governmental carrier within India and abroad. Though a relatively less important benefit, it still has considerable financial implications. Special vouchers are issued by Air India at the request of the awardees and tickets are generated against those vouchers.


PS: I do firmly believe that all these benefits/privileges are rightly deserved by the awardees and this has been posted for the pure purpose of resolving curiosities and adding to the general knowledge of things.

References:

• Table of Precedence - Column 7A
• General Information
• Reply to RTI Application MHOME/R/2014/60540
• Ministry of Home Affairs

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