Centre approves institution of four new annual awards for security officials

NEW DELHI: The Union Home ministry on Thursday approved institution four new annual awards to recognize flawless services of country’s security officials. The four medals are “Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal”, Asadharan Aashuchan Padak, Antarik Suraksha Medal and Utkrisht & Ati-Utkrisht Seva Medal. While the first two awards will be given in August on the occasion of Independence Day, the other two would be in January announced on Republic Day.

Officials of the States and Union Territories, Police Officers, Central Police Organizations (CPOs), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and the Special Operations Protection Agency officers will be eligible for the “Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal.” This award will be conferred on police personnel to recognise commendable work in special operations

Asadharan Aashuchan Padak is meant to honour acts of exceptional courage and skill in intelligence gathering among officials of Intelligence organization of central government, Intelligence departments of all State/UTs, Police, CPOs, CAPFs, Assam Rifles (AR) and National Security Guard (NSG).

Antarik Suraksha Medal is meant for rewarding exceptional work of police personnel of States/UTs/ CPOs/CAPFs in internal security during their postings in difficult areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Maoist-hit regions and North East region. Utkrisht and Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal is meant to honour security personnel with good service records and long service records (tenure spanning over a period of 15 -25 years)

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said, “There will be no limit/quota for awarding the HM’s Special Operation Medal, Antarik Suraksha Medal and Asadharan Aashuchan Padak.” However, for the Utkrisht & Ati-Utkrisht Seva Medal, there would be certain rank-wise caps.