Nation honours 1,090 personnel with Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day

Context:

Ahead of 79th Independence Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the conferment of Gallantry and Service Medals to personnel from Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence, and Correctional Services.
Total honourees: 1,090 personnel.

Key Highlights:

Medal for Gallantry (GM):
- Recipients:233 personnel
  - Police Service: 226
  - Fire Service: 6
  - Home Guard & Civil Defence: 1
- Criteria: Acts of exceptional courage, saving lives, protecting property, curbing crime, apprehending offenders, often at personal risk.
- Geographic distribution:
  - Left-Wing Extremism zones: 54
  - Jammu & Kashmir: 152
  - North-East: 3
  - Other regions: 24
President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM):
- Recipients:99 personnel
  - Police Service: 89
  - Fire Service: 5
  - Civil Defence & Home Guard: 3
  - Correctional Services: 2
- Recognises dedicated service and an outstanding record of contribution.
Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM):
- Recipients:758 personnel
  - Police Service: 635
  - Fire Service: 51
  - Civil Defence & Home Guard: 41
  - Correctional Services: 31
- Recognises sustained devotion and impactful contributions over time.

Significance for UPSC:

Internal Security & Law Enforcement: Highlights contribution of personnel in challenging operational environments like LWE areas, Jammu & Kashmir, and North-East.
Civil Services & Governance: Demonstrates recognition mechanisms for risk-bearing personnel across multiple departments.
Public Awareness: Reinforces the role of disciplined forces in national safety and law enforcement.

Updated: August 14, 2025, 1:56 PM

Source: DD News