Independence Day 2026: 1,057 personnel awarded Gallantry, Service Medals

A total of 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced on August 14, 2026.

Gallantry Medals

Of the 301 Medal for Gallantry (GM) awards, 272 went to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel. The Medal for Gallantry is given for a conspicuous act of gallantry in saving life and property, preventing crime or arresting criminals, with the risk involved assessed in view of the officer’s duties and obligations.

Regionally, 197 of the awardees are from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 from Jammu & Kashmir, 12 from the northeast and 41 from other regions.

Service Medals

A total of 92 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) — given for a special, distinguished record of service — were awarded: 83 to the Police Service, four to the Fire Service, three to the Civil Defence & Home Guard Service and two to the Correctional Service.

Separately, 664 Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) awards — recognising valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty — went out, comprising 606 to the Police Service, 28 to the Fire Service, 18 to the Civil Defence & Home Guard Service and 12 to the Correctional Service.