On the occasion of the 2024 Republic
Day, the Central Government has announced the selection of 1,132 personnel from
numerous services, including police, fire, home guard, civil defence, and
correctional service, for gallantry and service medals. The Home Affairs Ministry
revealed these awards recognize exceptional acts of gallantry, distinguished
service, and meritorious contributions.
Among the notable recipients are two
posthumous awardees from the Border Security Force – Head Constables Sanwala
Ram Vishnoi and Shishu Pal Singh – honored with the President’s Medal for
Gallantry (PMG). The total count of awards includes 275 Medals for Gallantry
(GM), 102 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 753 Medals
for Meritorious Service (MSM).
The gallantry awards encompass a range
of commendable actions, with 277 recipients recognized for their exceptional
bravery. Notably, 119 individuals from Left-wing extremist-affected areas, 133
from Jammu and Kashmir, and 25 from other regions are being acknowledged for
their gallant actions.
Out of the 277 gallantry medals, 275 GM
have been awarded to personnel from various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir
Police, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Delhi, CRPF, SSB, and
other States, Union Territories, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The President’s Medal for Distinguished
Service (PSM) has been conferred upon 102 individuals, with 94 in Police
Service and four each in Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guard Service.
Additionally, out of the 753 Medals for
Meritorious Service (MSM), 667 have been awarded to Police Service, 32 to Fire
Service, 27 to Civil Defence and Home Guard Service, and 27 to Correctional
Service.
The Home Affairs Ministry highlighted
the recent rationalization and consolidation efforts in the award ecosystem.
Sixteen gallantry and service medals
have been merged into four categories: President’s Medal for Gallantry, Medal
for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and the Medal for
Meritorious Service.
These medals recognize rare conspicuous
acts of gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions in the
line of duty, aligning with the obligations and duties of the recipients.
