The ‘National Award for Public Service’ is to be conferred to those who have served the state for more than 43 years.

The President’s Office made this announcement on Sunday.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu directed to compile and forward the records of state employees with more than 43 years of service who are yet to be honored with the 'National Award for Public Service', to the National Awards Committee.

The president on Sunday instructed to collect employee records of those who left, those who remained in service, as well as their employment details, employment specifics, criminal records as well as debt records of employees.

These records are to be forwarded to the National Awards Committee for consideration.

In a publication on February 25, the President’s Office opened nominations for this year’s National Award for Public Service.

The assigned criteria for the awards were published in the government gazette following the announcement.

Individuals and organizations may forward the nominations to the designated portal. The office revealed that nominations will be accepted through the designated portal through 28 March 2024.

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 employees’ 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.

It was awarded to employees with more than 45 years of public service last year, including those who left their jobs and remained in service but have not received the award.

The President’s Office revealed that this decision carries the purpose of addressing challenges surfacing for former state employees in accessing their records and the dissolution of some of the institutions they once worked for, which has in turn made the information collection process more difficult.

As such, individuals who have provided public service for 43 years will be exempt from the application process.

In the future, the President’s Office will collect records and relay the required information regarding those who have served for periods exceeding 40 to 42 years, to the committee.

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 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.

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.

This year’s National Awards for Public Service will be conferred during the Independence Day ceremony.