It is awarded as reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state.
Ranks
It is composed of three classes :
First Class - a chest medal in gold.
Second Class - a chest medal in silver.
Third Class - a chest medal in bronze.
Insignia
The badge of the medal is a medallion with right-profile image of the King, inside an eight-petals stylised flower, itself inside an eight-pointed stylised star, simply hanging from a ribbon. The whole medal is in gold, silver or bronze, according to the rank.
The ribbon of the medal is dark orange with lighter orange borders
Notable recipients
Phuntso Wangmo, CEO, and Needrup Zangpo, Editor in Chief, of Bhutan Observer with their National Order of Merit, awarded by His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in December, 2011.
Bhutan Observer, Bhutan's first private bilingual newspaper [in Gold] (17 December 2011).
Sonam Kinga, Chairperson of National Council (current position), Actor and Researcher at the Center for Bhutan Studies [in Gold] (17 December 2014).
Harald Nestroy, Ambassador and Chairman of the society Pro Bhutan (17 December 2015).
Sanduk Ruit, Doctor, eye surgeon (17 December 2015).
