MHA invites applications for ‘Independence Day Honours’ from law enforcement agencies
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 19,2026
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has invited recommendation from the states for the award of President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) in respect of personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services on the occasion of Independence Day- 2026
D K. Ghosh Deputy Secretary to the Govt, of India, MHA has written a letter to all the chief secretaries, DGPs, home secretaries of all states/ UTs, DGs of CAPFs, IB, RAW and other law enforcement agencies to send recommendation for consideration of the award of Service Medals in respect of Police Service, Fire Service, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2026 ( 15th August, 2026), only by on-line mode by 15th May, 2026.
The authorities have warned the concerned state/ UT officials that the ‘last date of submission will not be extended further’.
One of the condition laid by MHA for recommendation is “Officer should be physically fit and must be in SHAPE 1 category as notified by MHA. Relaxation for SHAPE 2 category may be given in exceptional cases by Central Awards Committee. Medical category should be given as per their medical examination carried out by authorized medical officer/medical board.”
A Central Awards Committee comprises with the following members that will make the final recommendations.
Home Secretary : Chairman
Special/Additional Secretary : Member
(Incharge of Police-I Division, MHA)
Secretary(R), Cab. Sectt : Member
Director, IB : Member
Director, CBI : Member
DsG of 2 CAPFs (by rotation) : Member
DsG of 2 States (by rotation) : Member
Joint Secretary (Police-I) : Member Secretary
- Special Invitees from Fire/HG&CD/Correctional Service and CPOs with the approval of Union Home Secretary.
About Medals
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service has been instituted to recognize a special distinguished record or prolonged service, but only when distinguished by very exceptional ability and merit or exhibition of conspicuous devotion to duty in Police Service or the Units of Centre Police & Security Organization/ Correctional Service/ Fire Service/ Home Guard & Civil Defence.
The Medal for Meritorious Service has been instituted to recognize the valuable services characterized by resource and devotion to duty including prolonged service marked by ability and merit in Police Service or the Units of Centre Police 8& Security Organization/ Correctional Service/ Fire Service/ Home Guard & Civil Defence.
