NEW DELHI, Aug 14: As many as 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence and Correctional Services have been honoured with Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Friday.
The awards recognise acts of exceptional courage, distinguished service and dedication to duty across various security and emergency services.
301 Gallantry Medals Awarded
A total of 301 Medal for Gallantry (GM) awards have been announced, including 272 for police personnel and 29 for members of the fire services.
The Medal for Gallantry is conferred for conspicuous acts of bravery involving the protection of life and property, prevention of crime or apprehension of offenders. The level of risk faced by the personnel is also considered in relation to their official duties and responsibilities.
Among the gallantry awardees, 197 personnel are from areas affected by Left Wing Extremism, while 51 are from Jammu and Kashmir. Another 12 recipients belong to the northeastern region, with 41 awardees coming from other parts of the country.
92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service
The government has also awarded 92 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) to personnel who have demonstrated a special and distinguished record of service.
Of these, 83 medals have gone to members of the Police Service, while four were awarded to Fire Service personnel. The Civil Defence and Home Guard Service received three medals, and two were conferred on personnel from the Correctional Service.
664 Medals for Meritorious Service
In addition, 664 Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) awards have been announced for personnel whose work has been marked by valuable service, resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
The Police Service accounted for the largest share with 606 awards, followed by 28 for the Fire Service, 18 for the Civil Defence and Home Guard Service and 12 for the Correctional Service.
The honours recognise the contribution of personnel serving in policing, firefighting, civil defence, home guard and correctional institutions across the country.