In the wake of the rising coronavirus cases, the 1st State award Investiture ceremony is to be held now in February 2022, which was scheduled to take place in Dec 2021-Jan 2022.

January 26, 2021, 72nd Republic day celebration, 16 individuals and organizations were announced with 1st State Awards for UT of Ladakh.  The administration has institutionalized the State Awards last year for recognizing the contribution of individuals as well as of organisations for their outstanding works in the field of Bravery, Literature, Art & Craft, Social Reforms, Empowerment, Environment Protection, Public Service, Sports, Entrepreneurship & Progressive Farming and Teaching & Academics. The process of recommendations for conferment of State Awards was also notified. The final selection of awardees is made by the Lt. Governor on the recommendation of the UT Level Selection Committee.

Medal and citations would be conferred upon the State Awardees during the ceremony, while, the cash prize of Rs. 51,000/- (Rupees Fifty-one thousand only) has been credited in the bank accounts of all the 2021 State Awardees.

The award consists of a medal of 25 gms 18-carat gold, Rs.51,000/- and a citation. The medal is minted at the Government of India Mint at Mumbai and displays twin state birds i.e. Black Necked Crane, category of the award, and name of the awardee besides national emblem.

For the state awards of the year 2022, the applications were accepted till 31st October 2021 and now the selection of the state awardees is at the final stage. After approval of the competent authority awards will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day function 2022.

The State Awards are an effort of the UT Administration of Ladakh to recognize the outstanding rich & exemplary work in various fields; be it promotion, conservation of Ladakhi culture, music and dying art or inspiring budding sportspersons to excel further or recognizing the integrity zeal & commitment of a public servant who has contributed in the development of Ladakh.