Maharashtra cabinet passes resolution seeking Bharat Ratna for Ratan Tata

In a cabinet meeting headed by chief minister Eknath Shinde, the state government paid homage to Tata on behalf of the people of Maharashtra and also passed a motion of condolence.

Urging the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on the late industrialist, resolution passed by the cabinet said that Ratan Tata carved a niche for the Tata Group and the country on the global stage.

The resolution said, “We have lost a visionary leader who was committed to the country and the society. Tata’s role in the industrial sector and upliftment of the society was unparalleled. He tackled all challenges by adhering to high morals, transparent and clean business administration with discipline.”

“Ratan Tata will always be remembered for his firm determination after the 26/11 terror attacks and contribution of Rs 1,500 crore to the PM Relief fund for the fight against COVID-19. He had opened all hotels of the Tata Group for COVID patients,” it said.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, run by a Tata Group company, was one of the major places in Mumbai attacked by terrorists on November 26, 2008.

Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant said that the state government has decided to name its Udyog Ratna award after Ratan Tata as a mark of respect to the late business tycoon.

Incidentally Tata was the first recipient of the award, which was introduced to honour the contribution to the industry sector. He was honoured with the award at his home in Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis last year.

Meanwhile the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thakre has stated that Tata should have been honoured with the Bharat Ratna award long back.

In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the MNS chief said, “Ratan Tata did not expect any laurels for his work. But he made a huge contribution to the Indian industry and economy. Such a person should have been honoured with Bharat Ratna award during his lifetime. I feel that he now at least should be given the award posthumously,” he said in a letter posted on X.