President Droupadi Murmu presented Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras to members of the State/Union Territory Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and Armed Forces

Bravery honors

The Ministry of Defence seeks suggestions biannually from the Armed Forces and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for awards for bravery.

They were awarded to the staff for showing remarkable courage, unmatched bravery, and complete indifference to their own safety while on duty.

The recipients demonstrated remarkable bravery in numerous missions, such as counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in J&K and the North-East, anti-piracy initiatives, and firefighting missions.

Param Vir Chakra

It was established on January 26, 1950, and serves as India’s top military honor given for the utmost courage or selflessness in the face of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.

Qualifying recipients comprise all levels of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Reserve Forces, Nursing Services, and civilian personnel working with the military.

The award may be awarded after death.

Recipients obtain a financial grant of Rs. 3,000, with an equal amount given for each subsequent bar granted for additional acts of courage.

Mahavir Chakra

Established on January 26, 1950, it is the second most prestigious military honor in India and is granted for notable bravery in the face of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.

Maha Veer literally translates to exceptionally courageous.

Qualified recipients comprise all levels of the armed forces, nursing personnel, and civilians working under military directives.

The prize may be awarded after death.

Beneficiaries get a monthly financial grant of Rs. 2,400, with an equal amount granted for each extra bar given for continued acts of courage.

Vir Chakra

Founded on January 26, 1950 (effective from August 15, 1947), it is the third-highest military bravery award, ranking below the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.

It is awarded for courageous actions against the enemy on land, at sea, or in the air. It may be given after death.

Qualified recipients consist of all levels of the military and reserve forces.

The prize includes a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,700, with the identical amount for each subsequent bar.

Ashoka Chakra

Established in 1952 and renamed in 1967, it is given for bravery, heroic deeds, or selflessness outside of combat.

It is the peacetime counterpart of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded for “the most outstanding bravery or notable valour, daring, or self-sacrifice” not in direct conflict with the enemy.

Qualified recipients consist of military personnel, healthcare workers, civilians, law enforcement, and paramilitary units.

The award may be awarded after death.

Recipients obtain a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,800, with the equivalent amount granted for each additional bar earned for further acts of courage.

Kirti Chakra

It was established in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-II and renamed in 1967.

It is granted for bravery, heroic deeds, or selflessness outside of combat.

It can be given to both civilians and military members, including awards granted posthumously.

It serves as the peacetime counterpart of the Maha Vir Chakra. It ranks second in the hierarchy of peacetime bravery awards.

Beneficiaries get a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,100, with an equal amount for every subsequent bar granted.

Shaurya Chakra

It is the peacetime counterpart of the Vir Chakra and is given for acts of bravery that do not involve direct combat with the enemy.

On 4 January 1952, it was first created as the Ashoka Chakra, Class III, with effect from 15 August 1947. On 27 January 1967, it was renamed.

Personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces, including the Reserves, Territorial Army, and other legally recognised forces, are eligible to receive the award, which may be given posthumously.

A stipend of Rs. 1500 is given to recipients each month, plus an extra Rs. 1500 for each bar.