1,057 police, fire, home guard, civil defence personnel get gallantry, service medals

Synopsis

On Independence Day 2026, a remarkable gathering honoured over a thousand personnel with Gallantry and Service Medals. Among them, 301 were awarded Gallantry Medals for their extraordinary bravery, particularly in challenging areas affected by Left Wing Extremism and in Jammu & Kashmir. Furthermore, 92 deserving personnel received the President’s Medals for Distinguished Service, while others were recognised with Medals for Meritorious Service for their unwavering commitment to duty.

New Delhi: A total of 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence (HG&CD), and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

Medal for Gallantry (GM) is awarded on the ground of a conspicuous act of Gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, the risk incurred being estimated with due regard to the obligations and duties of the officer concerned.

A total of 301 Medals for Gallantry (GM) have been awarded. Out of 301 Medals for Gallantry, 272 Police Personnel and 29 Fire Service personnel have been awarded GM, respectively. Among the majority of the 301 Gallantry Awards, 197 personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 personnel from Jammu & Kashmir region, 12 personnel from North-East and 41 personnel from other regions are being awarded for their gallant action.

President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is awarded for a special distinguished record in service, and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is awarded for valuable service characterised by resourcefulness and devotion to duty. A total of 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) have been awarded.