The Central Government unveiled its selection of 1,132 commendable individuals from the police, fire service, home guard, civil defense, and correctional service, marking their contributions with gallantry and service medals in honor of this year’s Republic Day.
Posthumously, two Head Constables from the Border Security Force, namely late Sanwala Ram Vishnoi and late Shishu Pal Singh, have been chosen for the prestigious President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMC) on Republic Day.
Among the awardees, two individuals stand out with the President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG), 275 with Medals for Gallantry (GM), 102 with President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 753 with Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM).
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conveyed in a statement, “On the occasion of the Republic Day, 2024, a total of 1,132 personnel from Police, Fire Service, Home Guard, Civil Defence, and Correctional Service have been honored with Gallantry and Service Medals.”
Within the 277 Gallantry Awards, recognition extends to 119 individuals from Left-wing extremist-affected areas, 133 from Jammu and Kashmir, and 25 from other regions for their exceptional bravery.
Out of the 277 gallantry medals, 275 GMs have been distributed among personnel, including 72 from J&K Police, 18 from Maharashtra, 26 from Chhattisgarh, 23 from Jharkhand, 15 from Odisha, 8 from Delhi, 65 from CRPF, 21 from SSB, and others from various states, Union Territories (UTs), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Out of the 102 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), 94 have been awarded to Police Service, and four each to Fire Service, civil guard, and Home Guard Service. Additionally, of the 753 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), 667 are attributed to Police Service, 32 to Fire Service, 27 to Civil Defence and Home Guard Service, and 27 to Correctional Service.
The MHA emphasized the government’s recent efforts to streamline and transform the award system, consolidating sixteen gallantry and service medals into four: the President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG), Medal for Gallantry (GM), President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).
Both the President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and Medal for Gallantry (GM) acknowledge Rare Conspicuous Acts of Gallantry and Conspicuous Acts of Gallantry, respectively, involving saving lives, protecting property, preventing crimes, and arresting criminals. The level of risk is assessed considering the obligations and duties of the respective officer.
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is reserved for those with a special distinguished service record, while the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is granted to those demonstrating valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
(Inputs from ANI)