Fact Box: Sardar Patel National Unity Award

November 1, 2019

Centre government has instituted ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’, the highest civilian award in field of contribution to unity and integrity of India, in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, most popularly known as Iron Man of India or the founding father of the Republic of India. It will be announced on occasion of National Unity Day on the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31 October. The institution of award was notified by Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 20 September 2019.

About Sardar Patel National Unity Award

The award recognizes the notable and inspiring contributions made by any institution or organization or individual to promote cause of national unity and integrity as well as to reinforce the value of a strong and united India.

In a given year not more than three Awards would be given and it would not be conferred posthumously except in very rare and highly deserving cases. Nominations for award would be invited every year and the applications would need to be filed online on website designed by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Eligible: All citizens, without distinction of race, religion, caste, age or occupation, gender, place of birth, and any institution or organization would be eligible for Award. Any Indian national or organization or institution based in India would be able to nominate an individual for consideration for this Award. Individuals may also nominate themselves for the award. State Governments, Union Territory (UT) Administrations and Ministries of Union Government may also send nominations and recommendations on the on-line portal www.nationalunityawards.mha.gov.in

Award Committee would be constituted by Prime Minister, and would include Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Secretary to President, Home Secretary as Members and 3-4 eminent persons selected by PM.

Award shall be conferred by: President of India by a Sanad (an Indian government charter, warrant, diploma, patent or deed) under his hand and seal and presented by him in a presentation ceremony along with Padma award presentation ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Prize: The award does not have any monetary grant or cash award attached to it and would consist of a medal and a citation.