Who Decides Gallantry Medals? The Secret Process Behind Military Honours
Gallantry medals represent the highest form of recognition for acts of extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice exhibited by members of the armed forces and, in certain cases, civilians. These honours serve not only to acknowledge individual heroism but also to inspire future generations of service personnel. In India, the system of gallantry awards has evolved since independence, with a structured yet often opaque process that ensures only the most deserving recipients are selected. This article examines the decision-making framework behind these prestigious awards, shedding light on the mechanisms that maintain their integrity and prestige.
Historical Context
The foundation of India's gallantry awards was laid on January 26, 1950, coinciding with the establishment of the Republic. The initial three wartime gallantry awards—Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra—were instituted with retrospective effect from August 15, 1947. Subsequently, peacetime equivalents such as Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra were introduced to recognize valor in non-combat scenarios. These awards are categorized into wartime and peacetime distinctions, reflecting the diverse contexts in which bravery may manifest.
Types of Gallantry Awards
India's gallantry awards are divided into two primary categories based on the operational context:
- Wartime Gallantry Awards: These include the Param Vir Chakra (the highest military decoration for conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy), Maha Vir Chakra (for acts of gallantry in combat), and Vir Chakra (for valor during wartime operations).
- Peacetime Gallantry Awards: Comprising the Ashok Chakra (for outstanding courage away from the battlefield), Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, these honors recognize heroism in counter-insurgency, rescue missions, or other non-war scenarios.
Eligibility extends to personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, other lawfully constituted forces, and occasionally civilians who demonstrate exceptional courage. Bars may be added to medals for subsequent acts of gallantry, and posthumous awards are permissible.
The Nomination Process
The journey toward receiving a gallantry award begins at the grassroots level within the military hierarchy. When an act of bravery occurs, the process is initiated by the unit commander, who documents the incident through a formal recommendation. This citation details the circumstances, witnesses, and the specific actions warranting recognition. The recommendation is then forwarded progressively up the chain of command—from brigade to division, corps, command headquarters, and finally to the respective service headquarters (Army HQ, Naval HQ, or Air HQ).
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) plays a central role by inviting recommendations biannually from the Armed Forces and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. These submissions must adhere to strict timelines, typically aligned with the announcements on Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). Nominations for wartime awards focus on actions in the face of the enemy, while peacetime awards emphasize self-sacrifice or valor in non-combat situations.
Review and Selection: The "Secret" Element
The selection process is characterized by its rigorous and confidential nature, often referred to as "secret" due to the limited public disclosure of deliberations. Upon receipt at the service headquarters, recommendations undergo initial scrutiny for completeness and authenticity. Verified cases are compiled and forwarded to the MoD, where an Awards Committee convenes.
This committee, headed by the Defence Minister and comprising senior officials from the MoD, service chiefs, and other experts, evaluates each nomination meticulously. Factors considered include the degree of risk involved, the impact of the act, corroborating evidence from witnesses, and adherence to award-specific criteria. The process emphasizes impartiality, with deliberations conducted in closed sessions to prevent external influences and maintain the awards' sanctity. This confidentiality ensures that decisions are based solely on merit, shielding the process from political or public pressures.
Final ratification rests with the President of India, who approves the list as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The committee's recommendations are binding, but the President's endorsement formalizes the awards. This multi-layered review—spanning unit-level initiation to ministerial oversight—guarantees a thorough vetting, though the exact discussions remain classified to preserve operational security and personal privacy.
Announcement and Investiture
Awards are publicly announced twice annually: on Republic Day for both gallantry and distinguished service honors, and on Independence Day primarily for gallantry awards. The investiture ceremony, organized by the MoD in collaboration with the President's Secretariat, occurs at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The President personally confers the medals upon recipients or their next-of-kin in posthumous cases. Notably, the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra are presented during the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, adding a layer of national spectacle to these highest honors.
Challenges and Integrity Measures
Maintaining the credibility of gallantry awards requires vigilance against potential misuse. The process incorporates safeguards such as independent verification of facts and cross-checking of evidence. While the "secret" aspect protects sensitive information—particularly in ongoing operations—it also invites scrutiny regarding transparency. Nonetheless, the system's emphasis on hierarchical review and high-level oversight minimizes discrepancies.
Conclusion
The decision-making authority for gallantry medals ultimately lies with a collaborative framework involving military units, service headquarters, the Ministry of Defence, and the President. This intricate process, while shrouded in necessary confidentiality, ensures that only exemplary acts of courage are honored. By demystifying these procedures, one appreciates the profound respect accorded to those who risk everything in service to the nation, reinforcing the awards' role as enduring symbols of valor.
4 comments
I was posted onboard INS Rajput during 1965 Indo – Pak War and directly engaged in War in Western sector. We the members posted onboard INS Rajput shown bravery during the said War and for which we were Awarded with “Samar Seva Star and Raksha Medals”.
Similarly during 1971 War I was also posted onboard INS Rajput when the said Ship was about to be Decommissioned, as the ship was too old and None of the Cannon was in functioning position except “Depthcharge”.
Moreover we were also selected as " Suicide Attacker". Everyone can understand the function of Suicide Attacker and we the Ship’s members were never thought twice to accept the same assignment from the Higher Naval authorities.
We were also selected as Decoy of INS Vikrant as our only Aircraft Carrier was targeted by Pakistani Submarine PNS Ghazi.
We acted so as decided by our Naval higher authorities.
We were advised by our Commanding Officer Lt. Cdr. Inder Singh to get prepared to face the Pakistani Submarine off the Vizag harbour, which is coming to Eastern sector, Bay of Bengal, close to Vizag Port. Their target was to Destroy INS Vikrant, our only Aircraft Carrier on those days.
Accordingly we the Ship’s members got ourselves ready in all respects to face the consequences, when we all know that we are going to fight against the most Sofisticated modern equipped Submarine, having capability to Lay the “Mines” on Sea.
We all got ready to sail as INS Vikrant secretly, so that none of the Pakistani Intelligence could guess that INS Rajput is coming out of Vizag harbour as INS Vikrant.
On 3rd December, 1971 we decided to sail on 4th December by 2AM. Accordingly we passed that messege to all concerns. So that everyone should know the timing of sailing of INS Vikrant.
After sending messege to all concerns, we used our presence of mind and decided to change the sailing time secretly, so that our enemies should not come to know our sailing time. Because we know the Pakistani Submarine may send their Divers to Lay the Mines. So we started sailing at 11-30 PM on 3rd December instead of 2 AM on 4th. While coming out of harbour we switched off all lights etc.to make complete Blackout.
By that time we came to know that PNS Ghazi already arrived secretly nearer to Vizag and hiding underneath the Sea in such a Depth where Submarine Detector wouldn’t be able to detect and we know that they will sent their Divers with Mines to lay. They had the inteligence report of our sailing time of 2AM.
We came out of harbour and started firing Depthcharge, by my team where I was one of the Team Leader of 7/8 members, and at the same time Divers with Mines came out of Submarine to lay. Our Depthcharge firing splinters hit their mines, before laying on sea surface, and the Mines which thay carried, started Bursting one by one and ultimate connection were in the Submarine, which also hit the same and Destroyed before they prepare themselves to thwart.
So due to our intelligence decision to change the time of sailing, we were able to Destroy Pakistani Submarine PNS Ghazi.
Accordingly, only our Commanding Officer was Awarded with “Vir Chakra” for destroying PNS Ghazi, when you all know that onboard ships, all actions supposed to be taken Collectively and the Credit of Heroic jobs must be given to all members, as all had to work together, according to their placement.
But I am sorry to mention here that none of our INS Rajput’s members except the Commanding Officer were given any recognition for our Commendable job of Destroying PNS Ghazi, and also we were selected as Suicide Attacker. If we acted as Suicide Attacker in Emergent situation, then we all would have Died together without Segregation. We were Awarded with Purbi Star and Sangram Medals, 1971.
So my earnest request to Hon’ble Naval authorities and Govt. Of India to think about us to honour the members were posted onboard the then INS Rajput . I don’t know how many of us are still alive.
Please please please take some initiative to honour us at the Fag End of Our Life for our courageous job done at the prime time of our life. With regards
Bimal Kumar Chanda.
Ex.Leading Seaman, QA2.
Mob No. 9433217946.
I think it is some what fair in Army, Air force and Navy. In 2,00,000 strength of par military force. Back bone of the CPMF department is Constabulary & Sub-officers, but you find President police medal DG Disc give to IGs, DIGs, Sr. CO most have come on deputation (IPS) or Direct GOs who have never moved place of deployment for many years. Further ministerial staff and followers staffs ( cook, barber, dobi etc.)are given this rewards who are not in field duty. This shows how senior officer are disconnected with Constabulary and sub- officer who is field duties. Sorry state
I was operating in active insurgency in Kashmir from Dec 1998 to Jun 2000. During active insurgency operations, situations led to close quarter with militants. This happened thrice(Sep 2000, October 2000 and May 2021). The Citations for gallantry awards were forwarded to higher authority each time. Out of these three Citations not even one was considered for gallantry. So I feel that injustice has been done to me by denying gallantry award. I have documentary proof of all three CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE Action with me. Is there any way/procedure where I can represent this great injustice to me and ask for due justice.
I was operating in active insurgency in Kashmir from Dec 1998 to Jun 2000. During active insurgency operations, situations led to close quarter with militants. This happened thrice(Sep 2000, October 2000 and May 2021). The Citations for gallantry awards were forwarded to higher authority each time. Out of these three Citations not even one was considered for gallantry. So I feel that injustice has been done to me by denying gallantry award. I have documentary proof of all three CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE Action with me. Is there any way/procedure where I can represent this great injustice to me and ask for due justice.