The National Awards Committee has announced a deadline for nominations for the ‘National Award for Public Service’.

According to an announcement by the committee on Tuesday, the deadline to submit nominations for the award is set at 2pm, August 12.

Interested individuals may download the application forms from the official website of the President’s Office and forward completed forms to the designation portal. The President’s Office will begin accepting nominations physically as well, between 8am to 2pm on working days.

The newly-introduced award mirrors the prestigious National Award of Honor and is presented to those who have served for the nation for over 35 years.

The ‘National Award for Public Service’ will recognize the different achievements of nominees and the quality of their work as well as contributions towards the development of their respective fields will be taken into consideration. The award will be conferred to those who have served for the nation for over 35 years and have been celebrated as resilient workers. The Awards Committee will be taking into consideration, the quality of their work as well as contributions towards the progress of their respective fields when the nominations are reviewed.

The newly-introduced award, similar to the “National Award of Honor”, also recognizes the individual achievements of nominees. Recipients will be awarded a plaque, badge and a commemorative shield.

Employers are required to submit nominations, which will also be accepted through individuals or the nominee themselves.

The criteria listed for the award include adherence to company code of conduct, progress at the company, participation in company activities as well as contributions made towards the development of their respective field or the company.

It has been revealed that nominees must be clear of convictions or ongoing probes in cases related to serious crimes as defined under Section 22 of the Maldives Criminal Procedure Act. According to the committee, special attention will be given to the criminal records of all nominees.

The new award was introduced by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers on February 23 this year, with the intention of recognizing and awarding those who have contributed significantly to the public sector.

National Awards 2021 will be presented in 33 categories similar to previous years and will be hosted during the official Republic Day function, where the president will confer the National Award for Public Service to their rightful recipients.

During the National Awards ceremony held in conjunction with National Unity Day celebrations last year, 14 honorees were conferred the National Awards of Honor whereas 24 individuals were conferred the National Award for Recognition. Two individuals also received the Orders of Dignified Rule for outstanding national service, last year.