Republic Day 2026: Centre Honors 982 Personnel with Service Medals, J&K and Maharashtra Police Shine in Gallantry Awards
On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced a prestigious list of 982 service medals, recognizing the exceptional contributions of personnel from various central and state police forces, as well as fire services across India. This significant announcement underscores the nation's gratitude towards those who serve with dedication and bravery.
Breakdown of the 982 Service Medals
The comprehensive list, published on Sunday morning, includes four distinct categories of awards, each highlighting different aspects of service excellence:
- President’s Medal for Gallantry: Awarded for rare and conspicuous acts of gallantry in saving lives, protecting property, preventing crimes, or apprehending criminals, with consideration for the risks involved relative to the officer's duties.
- Police Medal for Gallantry: Recognizes conspicuous acts of gallantry under similar criteria.
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service: Honors a special distinguished record in service, reflecting long-term commitment and excellence.
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service: Awarded for valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
Gallantry Awards: Regional Highlights and State-wise Distribution
Out of the total medals, 125 are specifically designated for gallantry, with a detailed breakdown showcasing the bravery of personnel across various challenging regions:
- 35 personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.
- 45 personnel from the Jammu & Kashmir region.
- 5 personnel from the North-East.
- 40 personnel from other regions across India.
Among these 125 gallantry medals, 121 have been awarded to police personnel, while 4 have been conferred upon fire service personnel, highlighting the diverse roles in public safety.
A closer look at the state-wise distribution reveals that Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra lead the tally, with 33 and 31 personnel respectively being honored for their gallant actions. Other states contributing significantly include:
- Uttar Pradesh: 18 personnel
- Delhi: 14 personnel
- Manipur: 5 personnel
- Odisha: 4 personnel
- Bihar: 3 personnel
- Telangana: 1 personnel
In the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stands out with 12 medals for their service in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas. Additionally, in the Fire Service category, Karnataka has received 3 medals and Rajasthan has been awarded 1 medal, recognizing their efforts in emergency response.
Distinguished and Meritorious Service Awards
Beyond gallantry, the awards also celebrate distinguished and meritorious service across various sectors:
- President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM): Out of 101 awards, 89 have been allocated to Police Service, 5 to Fire Service, 3 to Civil Defence & Home Guard Service, and 4 to Correctional Service.
- Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM): From 756 awards, 664 have been granted to Police Service, 34 to Fire Service, 33 to Civil Defence & Home Guard Service, and 25 to Correctional Service.
Transforming the Award Ecosystem
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized in its statement that the Centre has undertaken numerous initiatives in recent years to transform the entire award ecosystem. These efforts aim to ensure that recognition is timely, fair, and reflective of the diverse contributions made by personnel in maintaining law, order, and safety across the nation.
This Republic Day announcement not only honors individual bravery and service but also reinforces the government's commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect and serve India.
