Yogi Adityanath orders investigation into UP's top award
The award, instituted by Mulayam Singh Yadav over two decades ago, has been given to the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and Shubha Mudgal, among others to honour eminent personalities who have made the state proud by excelling in the fields of literature, art and culture, education and sports.
However, during Mulayam Singh's son Akhilesh Yadav's rule, there were allegations that the award, carrying a cash of Rs. 11 lakh and a monthly pension of Rs. 50,000 was being given to undeserving candidates.
“What was the basis for selection of awardees? Appropriate action will be taken after the review. Dignity of awards should be maintained. Honouring undeserving people lowers the dignity of awards,” the Chief Minister said during the presentations made by the state cultural department on Thursday.
Mulayam Singh started the award in 1994, but it was discontinued by Maywati after she came to power.
Akhilesh Yadav reinstated it after he came to power in 2012.
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