1057 Personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services awarded Gallantry/Service Medals on the occasion of the Independence Day- 2026

On Independence Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services received gallantry and service medals. A total of 301 Medal for Gallantry (GM) awards were conferred – 272 to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel – with recipients drawn mainly from Left‑Wing Extremism‑affected areas (197), Jammu & Kashmir (51), the North‑East (12) and other regions (41). Additionally, 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded, the majority going to police (83 PSM, 606 MSM) followed by fire, civil defence/home guard and correctional services. Detailed lists of awardees are provided in annexures I‑IV.