The nomination process for three of the four top civilian honours in India is now open to the general public. The government has made it possible for any citizen to nominate any achiever for Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan honours. The general public can log on to padmaawards.gov.in and nominate anyone for the awards. The nominators would be required to furnish their Aadhaar details for authenticity and accountability.

The move is aimed at transforming the national awards into a truly people's award which will no longer remain restricted to elite rulers, PTI quoting sources reported.

It also aims at identifying unsung or lesser known people of excellence, who might otherwise go unnoticed and ending the crony culture of influence and lobbying.

The government has already received over 1,700 nominations and the last date of nomination is September 15.

Padma awards are given to individuals as a recognition for their works in the fields of Leadership, Literature, Civilian, Patriotic, and Particular.