The Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration awarded by the Indian government. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice on land, air or sea, but not in the presence of the enemy.

Criteria for Awarding Ashoka Chakra:

1. Bravery: The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery which are beyond the call of duty and which involve a high degree of risk to life and limb.

2. Self-sacrifice: The award is also given for instances of self-sacrifice, where the recipient puts his or her own life at risk to save the lives of others.

3. Conspicuousness: The act of bravery or self-sacrifice must be conspicuous, meaning that it must be observable and readily apparent.

4. Peacetime: The Ashoka Chakra is a peacetime military decoration, meaning that it is awarded for acts of bravery or self-sacrifice that occur outside of combat situations.

5. Land, Air or Sea: The award can be given for acts of bravery or self-sacrifice that occur on land, in the air, or at sea.

6. Not in the presence of the enemy: The Ashoka Chakra is not awarded for acts of bravery or self-sacrifice that occur in the presence of the enemy. For such acts, the Param Vir Chakra or the Mahavir Chakra is awarded.

Significance of Ashoka Chakra:

1. Highest peacetime military decoration: It is the highest peacetime military decoration in India.

2. Recognition of bravery and self-sacrifice: The award recognizes the bravery and self-sacrifice of individuals who have put their lives at risk to save others.

3. Symbol of courage: The Ashoka Chakra is a symbol of courage and serves as an inspiration to others to act bravely in the face of danger.

4. Motivation for armed forces: The award also serves as a motivation for the armed forces to act bravely and selflessly in the line of duty.

In conclusion, the Ashoka Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice that occur outside of combat situations and involve a high degree of risk to life and limb. It is a symbol of courage and recognition of the outstanding contribution of individuals to the country.

The Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.