In the wake of Indian cricket team winning the 2011 World Cup, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday decided to recommend to the Centre that ‘Bharat Ratna' award be given to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the country, given for exceptional service towards advancement of art, literature and science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order.
The recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister to the President.
The award does not carry any monetary grant.
Unblemished public life
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, moved the proposal in the Assembly saying that Sachin Tendulkar should be given the award on account of his contributions to cricket and India.
Supporting the proposal, the leader of the Opposition, Mr Eknath Khadase, said that Sachin Tendulkar is seen as ‘god of cricket' by Indians, and that his public life has been non-controversial and unblemished.
Permission for gymnasium
Senior Leader of Shiv Sena, Mr Subhash Desai, said Sachin Tendulkar had earlier sought municipal permission for setting up a personal gymnasium in Bandra.
Given his contributions to the game, certain sections of the Development Control rules should be amended, which will help him in getting the necessary approvals from Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, said Mr Desai.
More FSI
He said that Tendulkar had sought some additional floor space index (FSI) for construction of a private gymnasium in his upcoming bungalow at Bandra, and was earlier turned down by the Government.
“He is a sportsperson and needs a gymnasium in his house.
He has not sought additional FSI for a club or a discotheque, therefore his request should be granted,” Mr Desai said.
Clearances sought
Mr Ganpatrao Deshmukh of Peasants and Workers Party said that other State governments are giving Tendulkar villas as gifts, and that the Maharashtra Government should at least facilitate the Municipal clearances for the gymnasium.