The Ministry of Home Affairs has awarded the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for 2026 to 490 personnel from state and Union Territory police forces, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations, recognising outstanding work in special operations, investigation and forensic science.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

The awards were announced on Saturday, October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). The medal is announced on October 31 every year.

490total personnel honoured
358special operations
123investigation
9forensic science

Among the forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) accounted for 114 of the personnel recognised for special operations, according to the ministry's list reported by ANI. Personnel from Delhi Police, Punjab Police, Jharkhand Police, Telangana Police, Assam Police, Uttar Pradesh Police, Chhattisgarh Police, Maharashtra Police, Haryana Police and Assam Rifles were also among those honoured for special operations.

In the investigation category, National Investigation Agency officer Sandeep Chaudhary was among those recognised, for his role in the investigation into the April 22, 2025 terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, according to reports of the award list.

Source: Adda247 Current Affairs

A medal created in 2024

The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a notification dated February 1, 2024. It is conferred on members of police forces, security organisations, intelligence wings, Central Armed Police Forces, Central Police Organisations, the National Security Guard, Assam Rifles and forensic science establishments for excellence in operations, outstanding investigation, exceptional performance, intelligence work and meritorious forensic work.

The Home Ministry said the medal aims to recognise excellence in professional work, promote high professional standards and boost the morale of police and security personnel. The full list of the 2026 awardees has been made available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website.