The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has selected 490 personnel from state and Union Territory police forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations for the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026. The annual awards recognise work across policing, security, investigation and forensic science.
The ministry announced the selections on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. The award programme was created to acknowledge professional performance in security-related duties and allied fields, including special operations, intelligence work and investigations.
CRPF has the largest special-operations contingent
Personnel recognised for special operations account for the biggest category, with 358 awardees. The CRPF has the highest representation in this group, with 114 personnel selected for the medal. It is followed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs with 56 awardees.
| Category or organisation | Number |
|---|---|
| Total awardees | 490 |
| Special operations | 358 |
| Investigation | 123 |
| Forensic science | 9 |
| CRPF awardees in special operations | 114 |
The wider list includes 37 personnel from Punjab Police, 36 from Delhi Police, 28 from Jharkhand Police, 21 from Telangana Police, 19 from Assam Police and 18 from Uttar Pradesh Police. Chhattisgarh Police has 15 awardees, Maharashtra Police seven, Haryana Police six and Assam Rifles one among the personnel listed in the announcement.
Medal covers police and security organisations
According to the MHA, 123 personnel have been selected for excellence in investigation, while nine have been recognised for contributions to forensic science. The eligibility framework covers serving personnel in police forces, security organisations, intelligence wings, special branches, CAPFs, Central Police Organisations, the National Security Guard, Assam Rifles and forensic science establishments.
- Special-operation awards cover work carried out during 2024 and 2026, as specified by the MHA.
- Investigation awards recognise professional excellence in probing cases.
- Forensic-science honours cover meritorious contributions by serving government scientists.
The MHA instituted the medal through a notification issued on 1 February 2024. Its stated objectives are to recognise professional excellence, encourage high standards of service and strengthen the morale of personnel working in policing and related security functions. The award also provides a formal national platform for recognising duties performed by CAPF and other security personnel beyond the regular gallantry-award system.
