Republic Day: Govt Honors 1,132 Security Personnel with Gallantry and Service Medals
On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs disclosed the recipients of gallantry and service medals, honoring 1132 individuals from the Police, Fire Service, Home Guard, Civil Defence, and Correctional Service. These prestigious awards encompass the President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and the 275 Medal for Gallantry (GM), as stated in an official announcement. Notably, out of the 277 gallantry accolades, 119 are attributed to personnel operating in left-wing extremist-affected areas, 133 from the Jammu and Kashmir region, and 25 from other regions, recognizing their exceptional acts of bravery.
Within the group of individuals honored with gallantry medals, two personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) have been presented with the President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG). Their exceptional contributions were recognized for their significant role in peacekeeping as part of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). These two awardees served as members of the 15th Congo Contingent of BSF, stationed at the Moroccan Rapid Deployment Battalion (MORRDB) Camp in Butembo.
Out of 277 gallantry medals, 275 GM have been awarded to 72 personnel from J&K Police, 18 personnel from Maharashtra, 26 personnel from Chhattisgarh, 23 personnel from Jharkhand, 15 personnel from Odisha, eight from Delhi, 65 personnel from CRPF, 21 personnel from SSB, and the remaining personnel from other states/UTs and CAPFs. Moreover, a total of 94 personnel have been awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 667 the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). PSM is awarded for a special distinguished record in service, while MSM is awarded for valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
Meanwhile, out of 753 MSM, 667 have been awarded to the police service, 32 to the fire service, 27 to the civil defence and home guard service, and 27 to the correctional service. It may be mentioned that the government has taken several steps to rationalize and transform the entire award ecosystem of various awards. In this regard, 16 gallantry and service medals (for police, fire service, home guards, civil defence, and correctional service) have been rationalized and merged into four medals: the President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG), the Medal for Gallantry (GM), the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), the official statement added.
The President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and the Medal for Gallantry (GM) are bestowed based on a rare and conspicuous act of gallantry, and a conspicuous act of gallantry, respectively. These acts typically involve saving lives, protecting property, preventing crimes, or apprehending criminals. The evaluation considers the level of risk undertaken, taking into account the responsibilities and duties of the respective officer.
