NEW DELHI, Aug 14: The Centre on Friday announced 301 Medals of Gallantry for personnel of the Police and Fire Services on the occasion of Independence Day, with 197 awards going to personnel who served in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.
In all, 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire Service, Home Guard and Civil Defence (HG&CD) and Correctional Services have been selected for Gallantry and Service Medals this Independence Day.
Of the 301 Gallantry Medals, 272 have been awarded to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel.
According to the government, 197 of the gallantry awards are for personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 from Jammu and Kashmir, 12 from the North-East and 41 from other regions.
The Gallantry Medal is awarded for conspicuous acts of bravery in saving life and property, preventing crime or apprehending criminals, taking into account the risks involved in the discharge of official duties.
The Centre has also announced 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM). Of these, 83 have been awarded to police personnel, four to fire service personnel, three to Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel and two to correctional service personnel.
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is conferred for an outstanding and distinguished record of service.
In addition, 664 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) have been awarded. These include 606 for police personnel, 28 for fire service personnel, 18 for Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel and 12 for correctional service personnel.
The Medal for Meritorious Service recognises valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
