Independence Day: 1037 police personnel, fire, home guard, civil defence and correctional services to get gallantry/service medals

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday announced the names of 1,037 police personnel, fire service members, home guards and civil defence (HG&CD) personnel, and correctional services staff who will be awarded gallantry and service medals on the occasion of Independence Day. 

The President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and the Medal for Gallantry (GM) are awarded for acts of rare conspicuous gallantry and conspicuous gallantry, respectively, in saving lives and property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals. The risk incurred is evaluated with due regard to the obligations and duties of the officer concerned. 

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, among the personnel receiving gallantry medals, the PMG has been awarded to Chaduvu Yadaiah, Head Constable of Telangana Police, for displaying exceptional bravery during a robbery on July 25, 2022. On July 26, 2022, the Cyberabad Police apprehended two individuals, Ishan Niranjan Neelamnalli and Rahul, who were involved in chain-snatching and arms dealing.

During the arrest, the criminals viciously attacked Head Constable Chaduvu Yadaiah with a knife, repeatedly stabbing him in the chest, back, left hand, and stomach, causing severe injuries. Despite his critical condition, Yadaiah managed to hold on to the attackers, leading to their successful apprehension.

He was hospitalised for 17 days, the release added. Out of the 213 Medals for Gallantry (GM) awarded, 208 were conferred on police personnel: 31 from Jammu and Kashmir Police, 17 each from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, 15 from Chhattisgarh, 12 from Madhya Pradesh, 7 each from Jharkhand, Punjab, and Telangana, 52 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 14 from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), 10 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 6 from the Border Security Force (BSF), and the remaining personnel from other States/UTs and CAPFs. Additionally, as per the MHA, 3 GMs and 1 GM have been awarded to Delhi and Jharkhand Fire Service personnel, respectively, and 1 GM to Uttar Pradesh HG&CD personnel. 

The President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is awarded for a distinguished record of service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is awarded for valuable service characterised by resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Out of the 94 President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), 75 have been awarded to Police Service, 8 to Fire Service, 8 to Civil Defence and Home Guard Service, and 3 to Correctional Service.

Out of 729 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), 624 have been awarded to Police Service, 47 to Fire Service, 47 to Civil Defence and Home Guard Service, and 11 to Correctional Service.