Dehradun, November 6, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colour to Uttarakhand Police at a ceremony in Dehradun on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the force’s 25-year history. With this recognition, Uttarakhand became the 16th state in India whose police force has received one of the highest institutional honours awarded for distinguished service, professionalism and dedication to duty.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and several senior dignitaries attended the investiture ceremony, which recognised the outstanding contributions of Uttarakhand Police in maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, managing natural disasters and ensuring security across the strategically important Himalayan state.
Amit Shah Dedicates Honour to 206 Fallen Police Personnel
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah paid tribute to the 206 brave personnel of Uttarakhand Police who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
He said the President’s Colour was the result of the dedication, discipline, courage and unwavering commitment demonstrated by generations of police personnel since Uttarakhand’s formation in November 2000.
The Home Minister described the occasion as a proud moment for every serving and retired officer and jawan who contributed to building the force over the past 25 years.
He particularly praised the force for embracing its guiding motto, “Karm Satyam Shauryam”, and making these values the foundation of its professional conduct.
Shah noted that Uttarakhand Police had grown considerably over the years, expanding from approximately 13,000 personnel to more than 26,000 while continuously strengthening its operational capabilities.
Recognition for Disaster Rescue Operations and Courage
Highlighting the challenging geographical conditions of Uttarakhand, Amit Shah commended the police force for its exceptional role in disaster management and rescue operations.
He recalled the contribution of Uttarakhand Police personnel during the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, in which workers trapped underground were successfully rescued following a major multi-agency effort.
He also acknowledged the force’s response to natural disasters in Dharali, Tharali, Syanchatti and Maldevta.
The Home Minister said that police personnel, including those serving with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), regularly confront life-threatening situations involving landslides, forest fires, floods and other emergencies.
He highlighted the close coordination between Uttarakhand Police and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), particularly in remote mountainous regions where security personnel are often the first responders during emergencies.
According to Shah, the courage and preparedness of these personnel have helped build public confidence among residents, tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Police Plays Crucial Role in Border Security and Pilgrim Safety
The Home Minister emphasised that Uttarakhand Police performs a particularly demanding role because of the state’s mountainous terrain, international borders and significant religious tourism.
Every year, lakhs of pilgrims visit prominent religious destinations, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib and Kainchi Dham.
The force is also responsible for managing security arrangements during major religious gatherings such as the Char Dham Yatra and Kumbh Mela.
Shah praised the police for efficiently handling growing tourist numbers and ensuring the safety of devotees travelling through difficult Himalayan routes.
He also highlighted the force’s contribution to the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to strengthen infrastructure and improve living conditions in border villages.
Working alongside Central Armed Police Forces, Uttarakhand Police has supported efforts to address migration from remote border settlements.
The Home Minister stated that people had begun resettling in at least 50 villages, describing the development as an encouraging sign for the state’s border communities.
Uttarakhand Police Tops National Criminal Justice Technology Dashboard
Amit Shah also praised Uttarakhand Police for its progress in implementing India’s new criminal laws and adopting modern investigative technologies.
He said the force had secured the top position nationally with a score of 93.46 on the CCTNS/ICJS 2.0 Dashboard, reflecting its progress in digital policing and integration of criminal justice institutions.
The state has strengthened coordination among police stations, courts, prisons, forensic science laboratories and prosecution agencies through electronic systems.
Shah also highlighted the integration of forensic science into investigations and the computerisation of police administration.
He expressed confidence that the state’s criminal justice reforms would help accelerate investigations and judicial proceedings.
The Home Minister stated that the Uttarakhand government aimed to ensure that cases arising from FIRs registered after May 2027 would reach conviction within three years. The statement was presented as a government commitment rather than an outcome already achieved.
Amit Shah Calls for Drug-Free Uttarakhand Within Three Years
During his address, Amit Shah also highlighted the government’s campaign against narcotics trafficking and drug abuse.
He stated that the central government had set a target of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029, while intensifying action against organised drug trafficking networks.
The Home Minister praised Uttarakhand Police for its efforts against narcotics-related crimes and cybercrime.
He expressed confidence that the state would achieve the objective of becoming drug-free within the next three years through coordinated enforcement and preventive measures.
Referring to counter-Naxal operations, Shah credited state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces, including the CRPF, ITBP, BSF and SSB, for their contributions to combating Left-Wing Extremism.
He reiterated the government’s claim that India had become free from Naxalism, while stressing that security agencies must remain vigilant against emerging threats.
First State Police Force to Scale Mount Everest
Amit Shah also congratulated Uttarakhand Police for its achievements beyond conventional policing.
He highlighted the force’s distinction of becoming the first state police organisation in India to successfully scale Mount Everest, demonstrating the physical endurance, determination and mountaineering capabilities of its personnel.
The Home Minister also praised Uttarakhand Police for winning 37 medals at the World Police and Fire Games.
He encouraged the force to improve its performance further at the next edition of the Games, scheduled to take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
President’s Colour: A Symbol of Distinguished Service
The President’s Colour, also known as the President’s Police Colour, is a prestigious ceremonial honour bestowed upon police and other uniformed organisations in recognition of distinguished service, operational achievements and professional excellence.
The award symbolises the institution’s dedication to duty, discipline, integrity and service to the nation.
For Uttarakhand Police, receiving the honour within 25 years of the state’s formation represents a significant recognition of its development into a professional police organisation capable of handling complex security, disaster response and public safety responsibilities.
Concluding his address, Amit Shah expressed confidence that the President’s Colour would strengthen the morale of Uttarakhand Police and inspire its personnel to uphold the highest standards of service.
He also extended Dhanteras and Diwali greetings to the people of Uttarakhand and the country.
The recognition marks an important chapter in the history of Uttarakhand Police, honouring both its institutional achievements and the sacrifices of personnel who have devoted their lives to protecting the people of the Himalayan state.
