Security personnel deployed on border posts above 9,000 feet will be rewarded with a new “high altitude medal” to recognise their services in the tough terrain and adverse climate areas.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh made the announcement at the 55th Raising Day celebrations of the ITBP in Greater Noida on Friday.
The forces have been demanding the institution of such a medal to boost the morale of the personnel deployed in high altitudes.
Besides ITBP personnel, who guard the icy heights of the China-India border, the new medal will also be given to BSF personnel who guard the Indo-Pak and the Indo-Bangla border and the SSB who guard the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders among others.
“We got to know that there were some difficulties in awarding the high altitude medals to personnel working at border outposts located above a height of 9,000 ft. So, we have decided that now all jawans and officers who work at a height of 9,000 ft and above will be awarded with the high altitude medal,” Singh said.