1,057 police and allied personnel receive Independence Day medals

The Story in Brief

The Ministry of Home Affairs has awarded 1,057 personnel from the police, fire, Home Guard, Civil Defence and correctional services on Independence Day 2026. The honours include 301 Gallantry Medals, 92 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service. Police personnel received the largest share, including 272 Gallantry Medals and 606 Meritorious Service Medals. The Hindu reports that President Droupadi Murmu also approved 78 gallantry awards for defence personnel, including nine Kirti Chakras and 19 Shaurya Chakras.

District administrations also announced local honours. Mohali selected 94 people, including 13 police personnel and two fire officers, while Chandigarh’s administration chose 37 citizens and officials for commendation certificates. Chandigarh Municipal Corporation will honour 145 people. In Mohali, the district administration also felicitated Gurdeep Singh, described by Hindustan Times as the district’s only living freedom fighter, at his home after ill health prevented him from attending the public function.