The National Awards Committee announced on Wednesday revisions to the policy governing the presentation of the National Awards and its decision to open the awards for nominations on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

According to the revised policy, individuals aged 60 and older can now submit nominations to the National Awards of Recognition, which were previously barred. The revision also allows companies, non-governmental organisations, and associations with a service history of over 35 years to apply for the National Award of Honour. The committee also introduced two new categories to the National Awards: culinary arts and engineering.

Recipients of the National Award of Recognition—individuals, companies, and organisations—with a service history of over 35 years can submit applications for the National Award of Honour 10 years after receipt of the National Award of Recognition. According to the committee, individual nominees for the National Award of Recognition must have a minimum of seven years of service, while companies and organisations with a service history of over ten years will be eligible for the awards.

This year, the National Awards will be presented at the official function to mark Independence Day.