Sources say President Pranab Mukherjee is likely to visit former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence on March 27 to confer him Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the country.
“It is quite likely that the President may travel to Vajpayee's residence to present him the Bharat Ratna medallion and certificate as the former PM remains is confined to his house due to his medical condition,” said a home ministry official requesting anonymity.
“Earlier, March 16 was being finalised as date for conferment but then it was postponed to March 27 as home minister Rajnath Singh will be away in Japan for four days from March 14,” said the official.
Sources also said that the other option could be of Vajpayee's family members receiving the honour on his behalf from the President.
The home ministry makes all arrangements with regard to Bharat Ratna.
The Prime Minister of India recommends the highest civilian honour of the country to the president.
In December last year, the government had announced announced the names of Vajpayee and freedom fighter and founder of Banaras Hindu University, Madan Mohan Malviya, as the latest recipients of the award.
