Nominations for the ‘National Award for Public Service’ are to be opened next week.

In a publication on Wednesday, the President’s Office announced that the assigned criteria for the awards will be published in the government gazette following the announcement, on February 25.

Individuals and organizations may forward the nominations to the designated portal. The office revealed that nominations will be accepted through the designated portal.

The president will be awarding a shield, a badge of honor and a certificate as an award for service to the government.

The criteria publicized for the award earlier include having no criminal records, adhering to company code of conduct, participation in company activities, attention to assigned tasks and duties as well as contributions made towards the development of their respective field or the company. The employee’s progress at the company will also be considered.

It has been stated 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 committee will be considering the quality of the work of the nominee as well as their contributions to the development of their respective office or field.

The 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 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 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.

Individuals may download the application forms from the official website of the President’s Office.

The award was introduced by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers during February 2021, with the intention of recognizing and awarding those who have contributed significantly to the public sector.

National Awards 2022 were presented in 33 categories similar to previous years and was hosted during the official Republic Day function, where the president conferred the National Award for Public Service to the rightful recipients.

In February 2022, 86 individuals were conferred the National Awards for Public Service 2022, those of whom included two individuals who had served the state for more than 50 years.