Maharashtra Cabinet recommends Ratan Tata's name for Bharat Ratna

Ratan Tata

The Maharashtra Cabinet on Thursday passed resolution to recommend industrialist Ratan Tata's name for the Bharat Ratna award. The passed resolution will be submitted to the Centre for further approval.

The move comes after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Thursday demanded a proposal of the name of Tata. Tata Sons' chairman emeritus passed away on Wednesday night.

Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal addressed a letter to Shinde urging the latter to propose Tata’s name to the Centre for the Bharat Ratna honour.

Catch live updates of Ratan Tata's last rites.

In his letter to Shinde, Kanal said the Bharat Ratna would serve as a fitting tribute to Tata.

“Shri Tata Ji was not only a visionary leader but also a compassionate humanitarian. His philanthropic efforts towards the welfare of stray animals, providing shelter through his five-star hotels across India, demonstrated his commitment to the voiceless members of our society. Furthermore, his dedication to establishing cancer hospitals for the underprivileged showcased his unwavering belief in the right to health and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Kanla wrote in the letter as quoted by News18.

During the state cabinet meeting, tributes were paid to the Padma Vibhushan awardee. Chief minister Shinde announced that Tata’s last rites would be conducted with full state honours.

Tata, born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, was the Chairman of Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of the largest private-sector-promoted philanthropic trusts in India.

He was the Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. Then he was appointed Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons.

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour and is awarded to people who have made exceptional contributions in any field.Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for these awards. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President.