India, April 14 -- The Delhi Government on Monday directed officials to identify and recommend desirable and lesser-known candidates for the Padma Awards by June 15 for the honours to be announced on Republic Day 2027.

The direction came following a communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs on March 12, inviting nominations for the country's highest civilian honours - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The ministry said, "It has been observed that in the past, while nominations are received in respect of a large number of persons, there could, however, be several talented persons who are left out of consideration despite exceptional contribution in their field."

The city Government has also advised that a committee ma...