K'taka govt decides to tweak selection process for Kannada Rajyotsava Awards

Bengaluru: The way in which ‘Rajyotsava Prashasti’ awardees are chosen in Karnataka is in for a major change. The state government has decided to follow the model used for selecting Padma awardees by the Union government.

Until now, the hopefuls had to submit a detailed application for their selection for the Rajyotsava Award. Henceforth, the selection process will be tweaked so that those who have not applied could also be identified and honoured for their exemplary work, just like it is being done with Padma awards instituted by the Indian government.

The issue was discussed at the meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai held at the Home Office ‘Krishna’  on Friday. The changes proposed to the selection process were also agreed upon during the course of the meeting.

It was reasoned that many distinguished achievers do not apply for the awards. Not desirous of accolades, their achievements and contributions remain unnoticed. The changed selection process would help in identifying and honouring such distinguished personalities and bring their work to the fore, it was opined.

CM to be the final authority on selection:

It was also decided to give the power of final selection to the Chief Minister.

Expert committees, formed for recommending achievers from various fields under the chairmanship of Kannada and Culture Department Minister V. Sunil Kumar, have already shortlisted candidates.  Each committee proposed the names of 5 -6 achievers in the first phase. Further, the list was pruned based on various criteria. The list will be further scrutinized by Chief Minister before the publication of the final list.