KALYAN: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde has been selected for the prestigious Sansad Ratna Award 2026, marking the second time he will receive the honour for his performance in Parliament and contribution to public issues.Dr Shinde had earlier received the award in 2024. The Sansad Ratna Award is presented to outstanding parliamentarians for their effective participation in legislative proceedings, raising public issues and contribution towards strengthening parliamentary democracy.According to the award committee, Dr Shinde’s selection was based on his active participation in parliamentary debates, consistent follow-up on public issues, quality interventions in discussions and introduction of six private member bills over the past year.The committee stated that MPs are evaluated on several parameters, including attendance in Parliament, participation in debates, questions raised, legislative contribution and overall parliamentary performance. This year, 10 Lok Sabha MPs, two Rajya Sabha MPs and members of four parliamentary committees have been selected for the honour.The award was instituted in 2010 by Prime Point Foundation following the suggestion of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The selection process relies on official parliamentary records, PRS Legislative Research data and inputs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats.Among the six private member bills introduced by Dr Shinde are proposals related to Deepfake Regulation, National Natural Disaster Control and Welfare Board, Cow Protection and Conservation, Orphan Child Welfare and Development, amendments to the Right to Education Act and the Advocates Act.Sources close to the MP said the bills focused on emerging technological challenges, disaster management, legal reforms, education and social welfare issues.Over the past few years, Dr Shinde has actively raised issues related to the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, including railway infrastructure, urban development, healthcare facilities, transport, employment generation and environmental concerns.Apart from his parliamentary role, Dr Shinde recently led an all-party Indian delegation to the UAE, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo after Operation Sindoor. During the visits, he highlighted India’s stand against terrorism and presented the country’s zero-tolerance policy on terror at international forums.
