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.