The Government has instituted the ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award ‘ for outstanding contribution by an individual, group or institution for the unity and integrity of India, the Home Ministry said here on Wednesday.
The Award, which will be the highest civilian award for outstanding contribution by an individual, group or institution for the unity and integrity of India, seeks to recognize notable and inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of a strong and united India, the ministry said in a statement.
This highest civilian conferment will be announced on October 31every year on the occasion of the National Unity Day, the day nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
The award shall be conferred by the President with a citation presented by him in a presentation ceremony along with the Padma award ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhawan, a Gazette notification on September 20 said.
For the selection for this Award, a committee would be constituted by the Prime Minister, which would include the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the President, Home Secretary as Members and three-four eminent persons selected by the Prime Minister.
This decoration would consist of a medal and a citation. No monetary grant or cash award would be attached to this Award.
“Not more than three Awards would be given in a year. It would not be conferred posthumously except in very rare and highly deserving cases’, the notification further said .
Any Indian national or institution or organization based in India would be able to nominate an individual for consideration for this Award. Individuals may also nominate themselves. State Governments, UT Administrations and Ministries of Government of India may also send nominations.
The applications would need to be filed online on the website specifically designed by Ministry of Home Affairs. All citizens, without distinction of religion, race caste, gender, place of birth, age or occupation, would be eligible for the Award.(UNI)
