The National Awards Committee has states deceased individuals are not eligible for the newly-introduced National Award for Public Service.
The committee has begun accepting nominations for the award which will be conferred to individuals who have served the nation for over 35 years and have been observed as diligent and steadfast workers. The main objective of the award is to ensure that individuals who have contributed significantly to the public sector for an extended period are recognised, acknowledged, and justly awarded for their dedication.
Speaking to PSM News, Chairperson of the National Awards Committee Aneesa Ahmed said the criteria for the award was finalised after discussions with the president and cabinet ministers. Aneesa said any individual who had worked in a government agency or subsidiary where the government holds the majority of shares for over 35 years are eligible for the award and that nominations may be sent by an organisation, by an individual, or by the nominee themselves. However, she said that since there are many current or former long-serving state employees who fit the criteria, deceased individuals are not eligible for the award.
The committee has stated it will consider the quality of the work of the nominees, as well as their contributions towards the development of their respective fields while judging nominations.
The award will also recognise the individual achievements of the nominees and is equivalent in rank to the prestigious National Award of Honour. The National Award for Public Service would be conferred to winners by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the official ceremony held to mark Republic Day 2021.