NEW DELHI: A total of 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day, the ministry of home affairs said.The awards include 301 Medals for Gallantry (GM), recognising personnel for acts of exceptional courage in saving lives and property, preventing crime or apprehending criminals.Of the 301 gallantry medals, 272 have gone to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel, according to the government. The majority of the gallantry awards have been given to personnel who served in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism.
197 gallantry medals for LWE-affected areas
Of the 301 gallantry awards, 197 personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas have been recognised for their actions. Another 51 personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, 12 from the Northeast and 41 from other regions have received the medals.The government said the Medal for Gallantry is awarded for a “conspicuous act of Gallantry” in saving life and property, preventing crime or arresting criminals, with the risks undertaken assessed in relation to the officer’s duties and responsibilities.The awards recognise the contribution of personnel who undertake high-risk duties as part of their responsibilities.
92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service
The Centre has also awarded 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM).Of these, 83 have been awarded to Police Service personnel, four to Fire Service personnel, three to Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel, and two to Correctional Service personnel.
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The PSM is awarded for a special distinguished record in service, the government said.In addition, 664 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) have been awarded this Independence Day.Of these, 606 went to Police Service personnel, 28 to Fire Service personnel, 18 to Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel, and 12 to Correctional Service personnel.The MSM is awarded for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.The awards are part of the annual Independence Day honours for personnel serving in India’s police, fire, civil defence, home guard and correctional services.India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead the celebrations from the Red Fort in New Delhi, following the traditional Independence Day ceremony.