On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced gallantry medals and various service medals for 982 members of the police, fire brigade, home guard, civil defense and correctional services. The honors included 125 Medals for Gallantry (GM).
According to the list released by the government, the highest number of gallantry medals (45) have been awarded to personnel deployed in the Jammu and Kashmir operational theatre, followed by 35 from Naxal violence-affected areas and five who are stationed in the North-Eastern region. Four HZS paramedics are among the medalists for gallantry.
Jammu and Kashmir Police has been decorated with the highest number of gallantry medals with 33 followed by Maharashtra Police with 31, Uttar Pradesh Police with 18 and Delhi Police with 14.
Congratulating the J&K Police, LG Manoj Sinha’s office posted on X: “Heartiest congratulations to the brave officers and personnel of @JmuKmrPolice who have been honored with Gallantry Medal, President’s Distinguished Service Medal and Merit Medal on this auspicious occasion of Republic Day 2026.”
“I also congratulate the J&K Correctional Service personnel who have been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. The country deeply admires the courage and dedication of @JmuKmrPolice. May your courage and integrity continue to shine as a beacon of pride to the nation,” he added.
Among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the CRPF is the only force to have been awarded 12 medals for gallantry.
The list also includes 101 Presidential Distinguished Service Medals (PSM) and 756 Meritorious Service Medals (MSM) awarded to officers and personnel.
By definition, the Medal for Gallantry is awarded to a person for a singular conspicuous display of gallantry and a conspicuous display of gallantry in saving life and property or in preventing crime or apprehending criminals, the risk incurred being estimated with due regard to the duties and responsibilities of the officer concerned.
The PSM is awarded for a particularly distinguished record of service, and for meritorious service it is awarded for meritorious service characterized by resource and devotion to duty, as the statement states.
