Republic Day 2026 Honors: 982 Personnel Receive Gallantry and Service Medals
In a significant announcement ahead of Republic Day 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs has conferred gallantry and various service medals upon 982 personnel from Police, Fire Service, Home Guard, Civil Defence, and Correctional Services. This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional bravery and dedicated service across India's security and emergency response forces.
Breakdown of Gallantry Awards
The decorations include an impressive 125 gallantry medals (GM), highlighting acts of extraordinary courage. According to the official government list, the distribution of these bravery awards reveals interesting patterns:
- 45 medals awarded to personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir operations theatre
- 35 medals given to those serving in Naxal violence-affected areas
- 5 medals for personnel posted in the northeast region
- 4 fire service rescuers among the gallantry medal recipients
State Police Forces Recognition
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has emerged with the highest number of gallantry medals at 33 awards, followed closely by Maharashtra Police with 31 medals. Other notable recognitions include:
- Uttar Pradesh Police: 18 gallantry medals
- Delhi Police: 14 gallantry medals
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's office extended heartfelt congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir Police through a social media post, stating: "Heartfelt congratulations to the brave officers & personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police, who have been honoured with the Medal for Gallantry, the President's Medal for Distinguished Service, and the Medal for Meritorious Service on this auspicious occasion of Republic Day 2026."
The message continued: "I also congratulate J&K Correctional Service personnel who have been bestowed with Medal for Meritorious Service. The country stands in profound admiration of Jammu and Kashmir Police's courage & dedication. May your valour & integrity continue to shine as a beacon of pride for the nation."
Central Armed Police Forces Recognition
Among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the CRPF stands out as the only force to receive bravery citations, with an impressive tally of 12 gallantry medals. This recognition underscores the force's continued commitment to maintaining national security under challenging circumstances.
Complete Medal Distribution
Beyond the gallantry awards, the complete list includes:
- 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) awarded for special distinguished records in service
- 756 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) recognizing valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty
Understanding the Awards
The gallantry medal criteria are particularly stringent, awarded for rare conspicuous acts of gallantry or conspicuous acts of gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals. The risk assessment considers the obligations and duties of the officer concerned, making these awards truly exceptional recognitions of bravery.
The President's Medal for Distinguished Service acknowledges special distinguished records in service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service honors valuable service characterized by resource and devotion to duty, as per official definitions.
This comprehensive recognition of 982 personnel across multiple services reflects the government's commitment to honoring those who serve the nation with exceptional courage and dedication, particularly as India celebrates Republic Day 2026 with renewed pride in its security forces and emergency responders.
