KATHMANDU, Sept 16: The government has announced that it will defer the distribution of honors and medals on Constitution Day this year.

A cabinet meeting held on Friday decided to postpone the award ceremony and establish a working group to review international practices and existing laws related to honors and medals distribution. The goal is to enhance the decorum and organization of the process itself. The working group is expected to submit a report within three months.

Each year on Constitution Day (i.e. Asoj 3), the head of the state bestows honors, decorations, and medals upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. This includes 11 different honors such as Nepal Ratna and Rastra Gaurab, eight awards like Rastra Yashovardhak and Nepal Sewa Prabin, and six types of medals including Rastra Sewa Pratham Shresni, Sukirti, and Sagarmatha.

Last year, a total of 903 individuals received honors, decorations, and medals.

The list of recipients, initially prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is typically finalized by a committee chaired by the Senior Deputy Prime Minister and approved by the cabinet. This year, the process had already commenced, with recommendations from district administration offices and ministries. Sources said discussions are underway to limit the number of such award recipients to make sure that the recipients feel proud about their achievements. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha advocated for establishing specific standards for award eligibility rather than proceeding with the current process. He discussed this proposal with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Minister Shrestha emphasized the need to halt the process that was already underway and suggested discussing it within the coalition partners. Subsequently, a meeting was held at Baluwatar on Friday, attended by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Home Minister, as well as Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba. It was unanimously agreed upon that medals would not be distributed this year, and a working group would be established to formulate the necessary standards.

Subsequently, the cabinet meeting held on Friday evening decided to postpone this year's medals and awards distribution ceremony and establish a working group to develop standards.

 
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