1,057 Personnel Awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day 2026
The honours include 301 Gallantry Medals, 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service across police, fire, civil defence and correctional services.
A total of 1,057 personnel have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Friday.
Independence Day 2026 Medals Honour 1,057 Personnel
The honours recognise personnel from Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Correctional Services for acts of bravery, distinguished service and sustained commitment to duty.
According to the ministry, the honours include 301 Medals for Gallantry, 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said the Medal for Gallantry (GM) is awarded for a “conspicuous act of gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals,” while taking into account the risks incurred in relation to the duties and obligations of the officer concerned.
301 Gallantry Medals Awarded for Acts of Bravery
Of the 301 Gallantry Medals, 272 have been awarded to police personnel, while 29 Fire Service personnel have received the honour.
A significant number of the gallantry awardees served in areas affected by security challenges. According to the ministry, 197 personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 from the Jammu and Kashmir region, 12 from the North-East and 41 personnel from other regions have been recognised for their gallant actions.
92 President’s Medals Recognise Distinguished Service
The ministry also announced 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM).
“The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is awarded for special distinguished record in service,” the ministry said.
Of the 92 PSM awards, 83 have gone to Police Service personnel, four to Fire Service personnel, three to Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel, and two to Correctional Service personnel.
664 Personnel Receive Medals for Meritorious Service
In addition, 664 personnel have been awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).
The ministry said the Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded for “valuable service characterised by resource and devotion to duty.”
Of the total 664 MSM recipients, 606 are from the Police Service, 28 from the Fire Service, 18 from Civil Defence and Home Guard Service, and 12 from Correctional Services.
Police Service Gets Largest Share of Independence Day Medals
Overall, the Police Service accounted for the largest share of the service medals announced this year.
The ministry has also released separate lists containing the names of recipients of the Gallantry Medals, President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and Medals for Meritorious Service, along with state-wise and force-wise lists of awardees.
The medals recognise personnel for acts of bravery, distinguished service and sustained commitment to duty across policing, firefighting, civil defence, home guards and correctional services ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
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