The National Awards Committee has revealed that 141 individuals have submitted nominations for the National Award for Public Service.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the award was March 18.

The committee revealed that they have reviewed the employment documents submitted by the applicants for the award, and have determined those who are eligible for interviews. The committee also said that they started interviewing said individuals on Monday.

The ‘National Award for Public Service’ recognizes the different achievements of nominees and the quality of their work as well as contributions towards the development of their respective fields were taken into consideration. The award mirrors the prestigious National Award of Honor.

It is awarded to employees with more than 35 years of public service and acknowledged their competence and sincerity in fulfilling their responsibilities and their contributions to the advancement of the institutions they served.

The award is conferred to those who have been celebrated as resilient workers. The Awards Committee took into consideration the quality of their work as well as contributions towards the progress of their respective fields when the nominations were 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.

As the State Service Award, the president presents a shield, an honorary badge, and a commemorative plaque. This year, the ceremony for presenting the State Service Award will be held in conjunction with Independence Day.

In 2024, 53 individuals who served the Maldivian state for a long period were honored with honorary badges and shields in recognition of their service.

The National Awards Committee will be responsible for determining the recipients of the National Service Award.