138 are set to receive the ‘National Award for Public Service’ this year.

The National Awards Committee selected the National Award for Public Service nominations.

70 individuals who have served the state for more than 43 years, were recommended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The committee revealed that the awards will be conferred during the official Independence Day function at the Social Center on July 26.

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 included 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 was also considered.

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.

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.