New Delhi: On the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day, the Centre announced 942 service medals, including 95 for gallantry, to personnel from various central and state police forces.

This year’s tally is lower than the 1,132 medals awarded last year, including 277 gallantry awards.

The Union Home Ministry stated that of the 95 gallantry awards, 28 were given to personnel serving in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, 28 for service in Jammu and Kashmir, and three in the North-East, with the remaining 36 awarded to personnel from other regions. Fire services personnel received 17 medals.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) claimed 19 gallantry medals for operations in LWE-affected areas, while five went to Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.

The rest were awarded to state police, Union territory police forces, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Gallantry Medals (GM) recognise “rare conspicuous acts of gallantry” or notable bravery in saving lives, protecting property, preventing crime, or apprehending criminals, as per the central government.

The Home Ministry’s list also includes recipients of the President’s Medal for Gallantry, the Police Medal for Gallantry, the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Out of 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), 85 were awarded to police personnel, five to fire services, seven to civil defence and home guards, and four to correctional services.

Of the 746 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), 634 were awarded to police personnel, 37 to fire services, 39 to civil defence and home guards, and 36 to correctional services.

The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is conferred for an exceptional service record, while the Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded for dedicated and resourceful service.