1,364 Police Personnel Honoured with Home Ministry’s Dakshata Padak for Special Operations

The Union Home Ministry on Friday announced that 1,364 police personnel from various security forces and agencies have been awarded the Kendriya Grih Mantri Dakshata Padak for their roles in special operations across the country.

Most of the awardees were recognised for their contributions to anti-Maoist operations, counterterrorism actions, and anti-drug missions. The Centre, which has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, aims to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026, and make India drug-free by 2047.

The medals are conferred annually on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of former Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year, an additional 102 personnel from intelligence, forensic, and police departments were also honoured for excellence in investigation, intelligence gathering, and forensic work.

According to the ministry’s list, the Chhattisgarh Police secured the highest number of awards among state forces, with 222 personnel recognised for their efforts in anti-Maoist operations. Delhi Police received 30 medals, while Jammu and Kashmir Police bagged 19 for counterterror missions. Jharkhand Police received 15 medals for operations against Maoists.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) topped all agencies with 1,033 awardees, acknowledging its critical role in counterinsurgency and counterterror operations across the country. The CRPF, India’s largest paramilitary force with over 300,000 personnel, remains at the forefront of internal security missions.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Gujarat Police were also among the honourees, receiving seven and 14 medals, respectively, for high-seas anti-drug operations. These agencies have intercepted multiple drug consignments from Pakistan and Iran, including so-called “mother ships” trafficking narcotics via marine routes — a method increasingly favoured by smugglers in recent years.