Context
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to Puducherry Police, the highest honour for a police force, for its dedication to internal security and public service. It highlights the importance of policing, national security and constitutional governance in Union Territories.
Key Facts of the Puducherry Presentation
With this conferment, Puducherry Police becomes the 18th State/Union Territory police force in the country to receive the honour, joining earlier recipients such as the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard; the force, numbering fewer than 5,000 personnel, secures a Union Territory whose jurisdiction spans non-contiguous enclaves in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh (Yanam) and Kerala (Mahe).
- Approval Date: Conferment approved by President Droupadi Murmu on 8 May 2026.
- Venue: Puducherry Armed Police Ground, Gorimedu.
- Recipient: Colour handed over to the Ensign Officer, Puducherry Police, in the presence of DGP Shalini Singh.
- Dignitaries Present: Lt Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, and Home Minister A. Namassivayam.
Related Announcements During the Visit
- New Criminal Laws: Described as resting on three pillars — technology, timeline and trust.
- Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra: Flagged off at Murugaa Theatre Signal; this year’s edition focuses on 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Significance
- Puducherry becomes the 18th State/Union Territory police force to receive the President’s Colour.
- Reinforces cooperative federalism in the recognition of internal security institutions.
- Underscores India’s shift toward a technology-driven, time-bound criminal justice framework.
| About the President’s Colour Origin: First conferred on the Indian Navy on 27 May 1951 by President Rajendra Prasad. Eligibility: A minimum of 25 years of exemplary, meritorious service in peace and war. Also Known as: The Nishaan; recipient-unit officers wear a special emblem on the left uniform sleeve. Approving Authority: Conferred by the President of India as Supreme Commander, on recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs. |
Conclusion
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour, India’s highest honour for a police force, to the Puducherry Police, making it the 18th State/Union Territory force so recognised. The visit also featured the Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra and remarks on the technology-timeline-trust framework underpinning India’s new criminal laws.
Q. Consider the following statements:
I. The President's Colour was first conferred on the Indian Navy in 1951.
II. A minimum of 15 years of meritorious service is required for a police force to be eligible for the President's Colour.
III. Puducherry Police became the 18th State/Union Territory police force to receive the President's Colour.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. I and II only
b. II and III only
c. I and III only
d. I, II and III only
Answer: c. I and III only
Explanation
Statement I is Correct: The first President's Colour was conferred upon the Indian Navy in 1951 by President Rajendra Prasad.
Statement II is Incorrect: The eligibility criterion is a minimum of 25 years of meritorious service, not 15 years.
Statement III is Correct: With this conferment, Puducherry Police became the 18th State/Union Territory police force in India to receive the President's Colour.