Puducherry, August 9, 2026: In a glittering ceremonial event held on Sunday at the Puducherry Armed Police Ground (Police Training Ground) in Gorimedu, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colour (also known as Nishaan or Rashtrapati ka Nishaan) to the Puducherry Police. The honour was formally handed over to the force’s Ensign Officer in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Shalini Singh.
Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, senior police officers, government officials, and other dignitaries attended the function. The ceremony marked a proud milestone for the Union Territory’s police force, which has now joined the select list of state and UT police organisations recognised with this rare distinction. Puducherry became the 18th State/UT to receive the President’s Police Colour.
President Droupadi Murmu had approved the conferment on May 8, 2026, in recognition of the Puducherry Police’s “exceptional service, discipline and distinguished achievements.”
Significance of the President’s Colour
The President’s Colour is the highest ceremonial honour that can be bestowed upon a military unit, training establishment, or state/Union Territory police force in India. Also called Nishaan, it is a special ceremonial flag symbolising national recognition of courage, excellence, professionalism, discipline, and distinguished service rendered to the nation in both peace and challenging times.
The tradition has roots in older military practices of carrying colours or standards as symbols of identity, honour, and allegiance. In independent India, it is presented by the President (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces) or, in the President’s absence for police forces, by the Union Home Minister or other designated high dignitaries. Past recipients include the Indian Navy (the first, in 1951), the Indian Coast Guard, and various state police forces. Once awarded, personnel of the force typically wear an associated insignia.
Amit Shah’s Address: Praise for Dedication Amid Unique Challenges
Addressing the gathering after the presentation, Shah described the moment as the “proudest moment in the history of any disciplined force” and a “golden episode” and “golden chapter” in the history of the Puducherry Police. He extended his “heartiest congratulations and best wishes” to the force, the Chief Minister, the UT government, and the people of Puducherry.
Highlighting the force’s unique operational challenges, Shah noted that the Puducherry Police, with fewer than (or around) 5,000 personnel, effectively maintains law and order and internal security across four geographically separated regions of the Union Territory: the main Puducherry region (enclaved in Tamil Nadu), Karaikal (also in Tamil Nadu), Yanam (in Andhra Pradesh), and Mahe (in Kerala). He praised the force for setting “very high standards of flawless professionalism” while also protecting the UT’s “glorious spiritual heritage.”
“This honour has not been bestowed upon you merely through an official order or a file; rather, you have earned it through your hard work, valour, service, and dedication,” Shah said. He specifically recalled the force’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that while reviewing the situation of states and Union Territories from the Ministry of Home Affairs, he observed the Puducherry Police standing on the front lines with great courage, serving the people, including senior citizens, women, and children. “I will always remember your bravery and dedication,” he added.
Shah also described Puducherry as “a vibrant symbol of the spiritual consciousness and cultural consciousness of South India,” noting that despite a period of French administration, the region had preserved its Indianness and spiritual energy.
Remarks on Criminal Laws and Development
In his address, the Home Minister referred to the replacement of British-era criminal laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and related new laws. He said these were enacted to ensure justice for citizens and rest on the “three pillars of technology, timeline and trust.”
Shah underscored the Central government’s commitment to the development of the Union Territory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted that while the UT received about Rs 3,500 crore in Central fund allocation between 1950 and 2014, the NDA government provided Rs 13,762 crore during the 2014-26 period. He highlighted investments to the tune of Rs 39,000 crore in the last nine years, major road expansion works, and the benefits of schemes such as Lakhpati Didi, Ujjwala, PM Awas, direct benefit transfer, and toilet construction, which have reached around seven lakh citizens in Puducherry. “In this golden hour, let me assure on PM Modi’s behalf, the government is committed to the union territory’s development,” he said.
Context of the Visit and Force Background
Shah arrived in Puducherry on Saturday and was welcomed by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, cabinet ministers, legislators, BJP state president V.P. Ramalingam, and others. Prior to reaching the UT, he performed pooja at the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, and visited Sri Ramanasramam, seeking blessings for the well-being of citizens and recalling the teachings of Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the visit and ceremony, with more than 1,000 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Puducherry Police deployed, intensified vehicle checks, traffic regulations, and a ban on drones and other aerial devices.
The Puducherry Police traces its roots to the French colonial period (prior to 1954 merger with India) and retains distinctive elements such as the French-style kepi in its uniform tradition. It exercises jurisdiction over the four regions and includes specialised units for traffic (notable for investigation powers), CID, cyber crime, anti-human trafficking, and other functions. The force operates under the overall control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Later on Sunday afternoon, Shah was scheduled to flag off a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally at Muruga Theatre Signal as part of the national campaign.
In a post on X, Shah reiterated his pride in honouring the force, calling the distinction “a befitting accolade to its courage and dedication” for overcoming the challenge of policing a region divided into four geographical areas while protecting its spiritual heritage. He congratulated all personnel of the force and the people of the UT.
The presentation of the President’s Colour stands as formal national recognition of the Puducherry Police’s sustained professionalism, service ethos, and contribution to internal security in a uniquely configured Union Territory.
