New Delhi, 14 August (H.S.):

On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, the government has announced gallantry and service medals for 1,057 personnel from the police, fire services, Home Guards and Civil Defence, and correctional services.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday released the list of 301 gallantry medal recipients. Of these, 272 medals have been awarded to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel. Among the 301 gallantry medal awardees, 197 are personnel from Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 are from Jammu and Kashmir, 12 are from the Northeast, and 41 are from other regions.

A total of 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service have also been awarded. These include 83 medals for police personnel, four for fire service personnel, three for personnel from the Civil Defence and Home Guards services, and two for correctional service personnel.

In addition, 664 Medals for Meritorious Service have been announced. These comprise 606 police personnel, 28 fire service personnel, 18 personnel from the Civil Defence and Home Guards services, and 12 personnel from the correctional services.

Gallantry medals are awarded for exceptional courage displayed in protecting life and property, preventing crime, or apprehending criminals.

The President's Medal for Distinguished Service is conferred for an outstanding record of service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service recognises valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.

From Delhi, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dinesh Kumar Gupta and Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajesh Kumar have been awarded the President's Medal for Distinguished Service.

In addition, 15 police personnel from Delhi have been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service. They include Inspector General Nupur Prasad, Inspector General Surendra Kumar, Inspector Rakesh Kumar Bhatt, Sub-Inspector Anjana Kumari and Sub-Inspector Tara Dutt, along with 10 other police personnel.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar