Gallantry Awards

Gallantry Awards

News: Recently, President conferred 13 Shaurya Chakras, including six posthumous, to the personnel of Armed Forces during Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-1).

About:
• Post-Independence, first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra were instituted by the government of India on 26th January, 1950 which were deemed to have effect from 15th August,1947.
• Eligibility - All officers of all ranks of the Army, Navy and the Air Force or of any of the reserve forces, territorial army and any other lawfully constituted armed forces.
• In addition to the above-mentioned personnel, matrons, sisters, nurses, alongside the staff of the nursing services and other services pertaining to hospitals and nursing and civilians, both male and females, serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned forces.

What are Wartime Highest Gallantry Awards?
• Param Vir Chakra – Highest military decoration
• Maha Vir Chakra – Second highest gallantry award
• Vir Chakra – Third highest war-time gallantry award

What are Peacetime Highest Gallantry Awards?
• Ashoka Chakra – Highest military award during peacetime for valor, courageous action or sacrifice
• Kirti Chakra – Second highest peacetime gallantry award
• Shaurya Chakra – Awarded to personnel of armed forces for instances of extraordinary gallantry