Sardar Patel National Unity Award

News:The government has instituted a new civilian award in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Facts:

About the award:

• The award has been instituted in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• It will be the highest civilian award in India in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India. 
• The award seeks to recognise 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 award will be announced annually on the occasion of the National Unity Day which is the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31st October.
• An award committee would be constituted by the Prime Minister which would include the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the PM, Secretary to the President, Home Secretary as Members and three-four eminent persons.
• The Award would consist of a medal and a citation.No monetary grant or cash award would be attached to this Award.
• Further, not more than three Awards would be given in a year.It would also not be conferred posthumously except in very rare and highly deserving cases.