03 February,2009 09:19 AM IST | | Anshuman G Dutta
Army website says members of police forces and of recognised fire services can't be honoured with the gallantry award
The website, while mentioning the conditions under which the award can be conferred, clearly writes, "civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life, other than members of police forces and of recognised fire services," can receive the Chakra.
The issue is likely to raise a debate amid rumours that the Ashok Chakra, which was awarded to several police officers this year, was a politically motivated decision. "Unfortunately we are discussing something like this but there should be a parallel ground for conferring gallantry medals," said a Border Security Force (BSF) officer, wishing anonymity.
He also said that on earlier occasions, the Ashok Chakra was denied to men from para-military forces as there is no provision for them in this category.
"Previously, whenever the police officers were nominated for Ashok Chakra, they were honoured with other awards like Kirti Chakra," the officer said.
When asked whether the officers who died in the Mumbai terror attacksu00a0 deserved the award or not, he said: "There is a clear instruction regarding the conditions under which anyone can be awarded a gallantry medal. It's the government'su00a0 job to see whether the person fulfills the condition or not. It should not be a politically-motivated decision."
However, defence sources said that the necessary amendment has already been made in this regard but the official website is yet to be updated.
"We are yet to receive the amendment copy from the Ministry of Home Affairs," sources in defence forces said.
Reacting to the issue, former director-general of BSF Prakash Singh said, "Gallantry awards are recognition for brave officers. Most of the time such sacrifices go unnoticed and I don't think there should be any debate on this issue. The official website should be updated as soon as possible to avoid any more confusion."
