Uttarakhand Police Receives President's Colour, Becomes 16th State Police Force to Earn the Honour

Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah conferred the President’s Colour to the Uttarakhand Police. This makes Uttarakhand the 16th state in India to receive the prestigious honour. The award recognises the Uttarakhand Police’s commitment to service, dedication, professionalism and contribution to keeping the public safe over the past 25 years. The award was given during an investiture ceremony in Dehradun on 6th November 2026, in the presence of Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other dignitaries.

What is the President’s Police Colour?

The President’s Police Colour, or Rashtrapati ka Nishaan, is a prestigious award given to police forces from States and Union Territories, CAPFs, Central Police Organisations and police academies for their outstanding service.

This award is represented by a special colour. It recognises police forces for their dedication, bravery, discipline, professionalism and exceptional service to the country. This award follows guidelines set out by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Major Achievements by the Uttarakhand Police

Disaster Management & Rescue

The state of Uttarakhand is prone to natural disasters such as landslides, flooding, forest fires etc. due to the Himalayan terrain. Therefore, the police force, including those working in the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) play an important role in rescuing people.
Some major operation they have taken part in include:
Rescue operation in Silkyara Tunnel – Helping rescue workers who were stuck in the tunnel in 2023.

Rescue operations in Dharali & Tharali.

Rescue operations in Syanchatti & Maldevta.
They help keep the public safe during major religious events.

Pilgrimage & Tourism Safety

The state has a high volume of tourism and pilgrimage throughout the year. The police are responsible for ensuring law and order, managing traffic and keeping the public safe during major religious events such as,

Kumbh Mela.
Char Dham Yatra.
Hemkund Sahib Pilgrimage.
Kainchi Dham.

As there is an increased number of pilgrims/tourists, there is a greater need to manage crowds and respond to emergencies.

Adoption of New Criminal Laws & Digital Policing

During the event, Amit Shah praised the Uttarakhand Police for their work implementing the Naveen Nyaya Sanhitas (India’s New Criminal Laws).
The police force have used digital technology to link police stations, forensic labs, courts, prisons and prosecution. The Home Minister said that Uttarakhand Police have the highest score on the CCTNS/ICJS 2.0 Dashboard, with a score of 93.46.
He also said that the police will aim to complete convictions in 3 years on cases that have been registered after May 2027.

Border Security & Vibrant Villages

The police work with CAPFs in border areas. They also work with the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) to improve infrastructure and connectivity for selected border villages.
The programme aims to reduce migration from remote border villages by improving the quality of life for villagers. The Home Minister said that at least 50 villages in Uttarakhand have displayed signs of resettlement.

Other Achievements & Goals

The Home Minister also mentioned,

Mount Everest – The police have become the first police force in India to successfully climb Mount Everest.
World Police and Fire Games – The police have won 37 medals. The next games will be taking place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Drug Free Uttarakhand – The goal is to make Uttarakhand drug free within 3 years.
Cyber Security – The police have worked well in preventing cyber crime.
Increased Police Numbers – The force has increased from approximately 13,000 to over 26,000.

The Home Minister also said that the goal is to make India drug free by 31st December 2029.