N Vittal gets Padma Bhushan

N Vittal, a 1960 batch IAS officer has been awarded the Padma Bhusan Awards for 2012.

Vittal has held the appointments of chairman, Telecom Commission; secretary, Department of Telecommunications; chairman, Public Enterprises Selection Board; and Central Vigilance Commissioner.

His experience of 35 years in administrative service covered industrial administration, science and technology and security.

As Secretary to the Government of India, he initiated policies for boosting software, setting up software technology parks and strategic alliance with the industry. He was also successful in introducing the electronics hardware technology Park scheme to boost manufacture of electronic hardware.

He made the Department of Electronics a frontrunner in adjusting to the new industry-friendly policy, encouraging foreign direct investment from IBM and Motorola.

As Chairman, Telecom Commission, he initiated the process of liberalization in the telecom sector and played a major role in getting the National Telecom Policy 1994 approved and announced.

This year Padma award comprises of 5 Padma Vibhushan, 27 Padma Bhushan, and 77 Padma Shri Awards. There are 19 ladies among the awardees.

Padma awards is the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The Awards are given in all fields of activities, for e.g. art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.