The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will present Appreciation Certificates tomorrow to the thirty five recipients of the Presidential Award announced on the occasion of Republic Day 2011. The Minister of State for Finance (Revenue), Shri S.S. Palanimanickam will also grace the occasion. The Central Board of Excise and Customs is organizing Investiture Ceremony for presentation of the Appreciation Certificates to the awardees.

The Presidential awards are given to Customs and Central Excise officers as well as to the officers of Narcotics and Enforcement Directorate who have rendered exceptionally meritorious services at the risk of life or who have specially distinguished record of service. The scheme was introduced in 1962 on the occasion of Republic Day.