Q. With reference to the Gallantry awards, consider the following statements:
1.These awards are given by the Government of India to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields such as art, literature, science, public service, and social work.
2.These awards are announced twice a year.
3.The highest gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra, followed by the Ashoka Chakra in terms of precedence.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statement 1 is incorrect. Gallantry awards are specifically instituted to recognize acts of valor and courage displayed by members of the armed forces and, in some cases, civilians in the face of the enemy. They are not given for contributions in fields such as art, literature, science, public service, or social work. These awards are distinct from civilian awards like the Padma Awards, which recognize achievements in various domains. The 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. These awards are given during war time. Three other gallantry awards — the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III — were instituted in 1952. These awards were renamed Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra in January 1967.These awards are given during peace time.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Gallantry awards are announced twice a year, on the occasion of Republic Day (January 26th) and Independence Day (August 15th). Order of precedence: Param Vir Chakra> the Ashoka Chakra> the Mahavir Chakra> the Kirti Chakra> the Vir Chakra >the Shaurya chakra. All the gallantry awards may be awarded posthumously.
Source: Forum IAS
