The Sansad Ratna Awards, instituted in 2010, serve as a prestigious recognition for top-performing Members of Parliament (MPs) in India. Inspired by the ideals of the late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the awards aim to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and public service within India’s apex legislative institutions.
Dr. Kalam, a strong advocate for democratic responsibility, launched the first edition of these awards himself, envisioning a system where Parliamentarians would act as role models for the nation. Since its inception, 90 MPs have been honoured for their exemplary service.
Unique Evaluation Criteria
What sets the Sansad Ratna Awards apart is their performance-based selection. MPs are evaluated on:
- Attendance in Parliament
- Participation in debates and discussions
- Introduction of private member bills
- Questions asked during Question Hour
A jury of eminent civil society members and experienced Parliamentarians reviews the performance data—derived from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha records—to ensure fairness and integrity in the selection process.
Aims and Vision
These awards not only reward individual excellence but also aim to motivate MPs to engage actively in parliamentary processes. By acknowledging dedication and legislative contribution, the awards encourage constructive participation, prompt issue-based advocacy, and promote ethical leadership in public life.
Awardees are seen not just as achievers but as ambassadors for good governance, expected to set higher standards for political and legislative conduct.
The 13th Edition
The 13th Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2023, in New Delhi. The event will witness participation from leaders in politics, academia, media, and civil society, making it a celebration of democratic excellence.
Impact and Significance
Over the years, the Sansad Ratna Awards have fostered a culture of healthy competition among MPs. This has translated into greater seriousness in fulfilling legislative duties, improved parliamentary debates, and more focused attention on public interest issues that had previously been overlooked.
By shining a spotlight on integrity and productivity, the awards have also helped transform public perception of elected officials, offering citizens tangible proof of accountability in action.
In a democracy as vast and diverse as India’s, recognizing good governance is essential. The Sansad Ratna Awards not only celebrate individual achievement but also reaffirm the collective responsibility of Parliamentarians towards building a transparent, responsive, and visionary India.
