Republic Day 2024: 2 BSF soldiers to receive President’s Medal for gallantry; Jammu and Kashmir Police gets the highest award, followed by CRPF

Two brave soldiers of the Border Security Force (BSF) have been awarded the President’s Medal for Gallantry for their outstanding contribution in the prestigious task of peacekeeping as part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The soldiers were members of the BSF’s 15th Congolese contingent at the Moroccan Rapid Deployment Battalion (MORDB) camp in Butembo.

Head Constable Shishupal Singh and Head Constable Sawla Ram Vishnoi made the supreme sacrifice during the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Beni, Congo on July 25, 2022. He was also awarded the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, an award given posthumously to members of peacekeeping operations. Lost his life while serving in a peacekeeping operation under the operational control and authority of the United Nations.

On the occasion of Republic Day 2024, a total of 1,132 personnel of police, fire service, home guards and civil defense and correctional services will be awarded gallantry/service medals.

In recent years the government has taken several steps to rationalize and transform the awards eco-system. In this regard, 16 gallantry/service medals (for Police, Fire Service, Home Guards and Civil Defense and Correctional Service) have been rationalized and merged into four medals – President’s Gallantry Medal (PMG), Gallantry Medal (GM), President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).

“The President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and Gallantry Medal (GM) are awarded on the basis of rare conspicuous act of risk and conspicuous act of gallantry in saving life and property, or preventing crime or arresting criminals, respectively. The expenditure is being estimated keeping in mind the obligations and duties of the officer concerned, the Home Ministry said in a statement.

119 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas, 133 personnel from Jammu and Kashmir region and 25 personnel from other areas are being honored with gallantry awards for their incredible actions on the ground.

Out of 277 gallantry medals, 275 medals were awarded to 72 personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police, 18 personnel of Maharashtra, 26 personnel of Chhattisgarh, 23 personnel of Jharkhand, 15 personnel of Odisha, eight personnel of Delhi, 65 personnel of CRPF, 21 personnel went. SSB personnel and remaining personnel from other States and Union Territories and CAPFs.