ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: The minorities ministry has invited nominations from various ministries and departments of federal and provincial governments to the National Cultural Awards 2000 for Minorities.

The ministry said the nominations should reach its minority wing not later than December 31, 2001.

A press release issued in this regard said under the scheme, awards would be given to Pakistani minorities in recognition of their achievements in the field of literature (prose, poetry or journalism); performing arts (acting, drama or music); fine arts (painting, photography or sculpture); folk arts (folk singer/instrumental artisan/craftsman or folk performer/dancer); education (all disciplines of education); professional (medicine, engineering, computer science) and sports (all sports recognized by the governments).

The ministry under the revised notification dated October 12 has included sports in the list and barred an individual to receive this award second time.

Besides, minister/minister of state in charge has been authorized to cancel or restore the award if he deems it fit to do so.