Dehradun, November 6, 2026: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Police Colours to Uttarakhand Police at a ceremonial parade at Reserve Police Lines in Dehradun on Friday, recognising the force’s 25 years of service, discipline and dedication.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the ceremony, which marked Uttarakhand becoming the country’s 16th state to receive the distinction. Shah inspected the parade before presenting the honour.
Recognition for Service in Challenging Conditions
Congratulating the force, Shah said Uttarakhand Police had established a distinct identity through its commitment to public service.
He highlighted the demands of policing a mountainous state that receives large numbers of pilgrims and tourists. Managing the Char Dham Yatra, Kumbh gatherings, traffic and disaster emergencies requires sustained coordination and commitment, he said.
Shah paid tribute to 206 Uttarakhand Police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. He also praised the force’s contribution to disaster relief and rescue operations.
Shah Outlines Push for Faster Justice
The Union Home Minister commended Uttarakhand’s efforts to implement the three new criminal laws and called for greater use of forensic science, modern technology and digital systems.
He said the government’s aim is to secure convictions within three years in cases arising from FIRs registered after May 2027. Work is underway to digitally connect police, courts, prosecution services and other institutions to support timely justice, he added.
Shah also praised the force’s work against drug trafficking and cybercrime, and congratulated its athletes for winning 37 medals at the World Police and Fire Games.
Force Has Doubled Since State Formation
Dhami described the award as national recognition of Uttarakhand Police’s courage, discipline and public service.
Recalling the force’s growth, he said it began with approximately 13,000 personnel, 96 police stations and 42 outposts when Uttarakhand was formed. Its strength now exceeds 26,000 personnel, while women account for around 14% of the force.
He also remembered the late Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, India’s first woman Director General of Police, who led Uttarakhand Police.
Anti-Drug Operations and Modernisation Highlighted
The Chief Minister said police had arrested more than 7,000 accused persons and seized illegal narcotics valued at over ₹307 crore during the past four years under the Drugs-Free Devbhoomi campaign.
He highlighted Operation Smile, which helps reunite missing children with their families, and Operation Mukti, which works to bring children engaged in begging into education.
Dhami said work is progressing towards establishing a State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. The police training college at Narendranagar is also being developed as a Centre of Excellence, with greater emphasis on technology, training and resources.
Five Officers Honoured for Service
During the ceremony, Shah honoured retired Inspector General Narayan Singh Napalchyal and Chief Fire Officer Vansh Bahadur Yadav with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
Superintendent of Police Jagdish Chandra, Assistant Commandant Pratima Bhatt and retired intelligence Sub-Inspector Sauhkar Pundir received medals for meritorious service.
Shah and Dhami also released a special postal cover and a police magazine.
Former chief ministers Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Tirath Singh Rawat and Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank,” along with ministers, legislators, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Director General of Police Deepam Seth and senior officials, attended the event.
