Image Source: Agencies

Aug 14, 2025: On Independence Day, 1,090 members of the Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence (HG&CD), and Correctional Services received Gallantry and Service Medals. There have been 233 recipients of the Medal for Gallantry (GM), 99 recipients of the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 758 recipients of the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). Medal for Gallantry (GM) is awarded on the ground of Rare Conspicuous Act of Gallantry and Conspicuous Act of Gallantry, respectively, in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, the risk incurred being estimated with due regard to the obligations and duties of the officer concerned.

54 personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 152 personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir region, three personnel from the North East, and 24 personnel from other regions are receiving the majority of the 233 Gallantry Awards for their bravery. Medal of Merit (GM): Of the 233 Medals of Merit (GM), 226 were given to police officers, six to firefighters, and one to HG and CD personnel, respectively.

SERVICE MEDALS:
The President's Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) and the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) are given to individuals who have distinguished themselves in service and provided valuable service that was marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Out of 99 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), 89 have been awarded to Police Service, five to Fire Service, three to Civil Defence & Home Guard Service and two to Correctional Service.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), 635 of the 758 medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) have been given to the Police Service, 51 to the Fire Service, 41 to the Civil Defence & Home Guard Service, and 31 to the Correctional Service.