By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, the Government of India announced a large-scale recognition of personnel from police, fire services, home guards, civil defence and correctional services across the country. A total of 982 medals were awarded, including 125 Gallantry Medals, 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service, reflecting the nation’s appreciation for courage, integrity and dedication in public service.

In the police category, Maharashtra emerged as the leading contributor with 31 Gallantry Medals, four President’s Medals and 40 Medals for Meritorious Service. Uttar Pradesh followed closely with 18 Gallantry Medals, four President’s Medals and 68 Meritorious Service awards. Delhi received 14 Gallantry Medals, two President’s Medals and 17 Meritorious Service Medals, while Jammu and Kashmir recorded a strong presence with 33 Gallantry Medals, two President’s Medals and 17 Meritorious Service Medals.

Other major contributors in police services included Karnataka with two Gallantry Medals and 20 Meritorious Service awards, Tamil Nadu with three President’s Medals and 21 Meritorious Service Medals, West Bengal with two President’s Medals and 20 Meritorious Service awards, and Gujarat with two President’s Medals and 14 Meritorious Service Medals. Bihar received three Gallantry Medals, two President’s Medals and 17 Meritorious Service awards, while Odisha recorded four Gallantry Medals, two President’s Medals and 11 Meritorious Service Medals.

Several northeastern states also featured prominently. Assam received one President’s Medal and 14 Meritorious Service Medals, Manipur recorded five Gallantry Medals along with service awards, and Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya were recognised for consistent performance and commitment.

Union Territories also made notable contributions. Jammu and Kashmir topped the list among UTs in Gallantry Medals, while Puducherry, Chandigarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were honoured mainly in the Meritorious Service category.

Central Armed Police Forces and other organisations played a major role in the overall tally. The Central Reserve Police Force received 12 Gallantry Medals, five President’s Medals and 57 Meritorious Service Medals, making it the highest contributor among forces. The Border Security Force was awarded five President’s Medals and 46 Meritorious Service Medals. The Central Industrial Security Force received three President’s Medals and 24 Meritorious Service Medals, while the Intelligence Bureau, CBI, SSB, ITBP and Assam Rifles also figured prominently in the list.

In the fire services category, Karnataka led with three Gallantry Medals and two Meritorious Service awards. Rajasthan received one Gallantry Medal, while Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana were recognised mainly for Meritorious Service. A total of four Gallantry Medals, five President’s Medals and 34 Meritorious Service Medals were awarded in fire services.

Home Guard and Civil Defence personnel were also honoured for their dedication. Assam and Karnataka received President’s Medals, while Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were awarded several Meritorious Service Medals. In this category, three President’s Medals and 33 Meritorious Service Medals were announced.

In correctional services, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha featured among the leading recipients. Four President’s Medals and 25 Meritorious Service Medals were awarded in this segment, recognising efforts towards prison reforms, security and rehabilitation.

Overall, the Republic Day 2026 awards underline the vital role played by security and emergency services across India. From tackling terrorism and organised crime to disaster management, public safety and social welfare, the awardees represent the finest traditions of service and sacrifice. The wide participation of states, Union Territories and central forces reflects the collective strength of India’s internal security and public service system.