The Sainya Seva Medal is an honor awarded by the Indian Armed Forces to recognize non-operational service performed under challenging conditions in harsh climates and designated areas.
Established on 26 January 1960, the medal was introduced by the Government of India with the President’s approval. It was instituted alongside other notable awards, including the Vishisht Seva Medal series (Class I, II, III), the Videsh Seva Medal, the Sena Medal, the Nao Sena Medal, and the Vayu Sena Medal.
The Sainya Seva Medal highlights the dedication of individuals serving in demanding environments, emphasizing their commitment and resilience in the face of hardship.
The Sainya Seva Medal Criteria
The medal is conferred for completing at least one year of non-operational service in specified geographic areas identified as having extreme conditions or severe climates.
The medal is awarded to a broad range of personnel, including:
- Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and other ranks of the regular Army.
- Non-Combatants (Enrolled) serving in the Armed Forces.
- Members of auxiliary and reserve forces.
- Nursing Officers and other personnel in nursing services.
- Lawfully constituted armed forces, including police and central armed police forces.
Medal Clasps
- Jammu and Kashmir: Awarded for one year of service since 27 Oct 1947; Air Force: 10 sorties/40 hours flying; inscribed जम्मू कश्मीर with a chinar leaf.
- NEFA: One year of service in NEFA (1947–1958); Air Force: 10 sorties/40 hours flying; inscribed ने फ़ा on bamboo stalk.
- Himalaya: One year of service in northern Himalayas; Air Force: 10 sorties/40 hours flying; inscribed हिमालय with a pine tree. Discontinued since 1986.
- Bengal-Assam: One year of service in West Bengal/Assam (after 26 Oct 1962); Air Force: 10 sorties/40 hours flying; inscribed बंगाल-असम.
- Andaman and Nicobar: One year of service in the islands (post-20 May 1966); Air Force: 50 hours flying; inscribed अण्डमान और निकोबार with lotus designs.
- Marusthal: One year of service in Gujarat/Rajasthan deserts; Air Force: 10 sorties/40 hours flying; inscribed मरुस्थल.
- 6YR Sea Service: Awarded since 2017 for six cumulative years of naval service in anti-piracy, coastal patrols, and seaward defense.
The Sainya Seva Medal Design
The Sainya Seva Medal is a circular medal made of cupro-nickel, measuring 35 mm (1.4 inches) in diameter. It is suspended from a straight bar, which holds the clasps.
- Obverse: Features an image of Nanda Devi with bamboo in the foreground, symbolizing nature and resilience.
- Reverse: Displays a gate of the Purana Qila (Old Fort) with the inscription “Sainya Seva Medal” in Hindi above it.
The ribbon, measuring 32 mm (1.3 inches), is saffron with a white vertical stripe and a dark green vertical stripe dividing it into three equal sections, representing balance and harmony.
The award is always accompanied by a clasp engraved with the name of the location where the service was rendered. For subsequent qualifications, only an additional clasp indicating a new service area is issued.
