490 Bravehearts Honoured with Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026
The MHA awards the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak to 490 personnel for excellence in special operations, investigation, and forensic science.
In a significant move to honour bravery and professional excellence, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for the year 2026. A total of 490 personnel from across India, including various states, Union Territories, Central Police Organisations (CPOs), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), have been recognised for their stellar contributions to national security and law enforcement.
Breaking Down the Honours
The awards have been distributed across three primary categories, highlighting the diverse nature of police and security work. The majority of the honours were dedicated to those on the front lines of high-risk missions.
- Special Operations: 358 personnel were recognised for their pivotal roles in special operations carried out between 2024 and 2026.
- Investigation: 123 personnel received the medal for their exemplary work in solving complex cases and conducting thorough investigations.
- Forensic Science: Nine individuals were awarded for their meritorious contributions to the field of forensic science.
Who Were the Top Contributors?
The list of awardees reflects a broad spectrum of security forces. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led the way with the highest number of recipients in the special operations category. Here is a detailed look at the personnel recognised for special operations:
- CRPF: 114 personnel
- CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs): 56 personnel
- Punjab Police: 37 personnel
- Delhi Police: 36 personnel
- Jharkhand Police: 28 personnel
- Telangana Police: 21 personnel
- Assam Police: 19 personnel
- Uttar Pradesh Police: 18 personnel
- Chhattisgarh Police: 15 personnel
- Maharashtra Police: 7 personnel
- Haryana Police: 6 personnel
- Assam Rifles: 1 personnel
The Legacy and Purpose of the Award
Instituted via a notification on February 1, 2024, the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak is designed to promote high professional standards and boost the morale of those serving in the shadows and on the streets. The award is open to a wide array of specialists, including intelligence wings, special branches, the National Security Guard (NSG), and government scientists in forensic labs.
The MHA specifically targets excellence in daring intelligence service, exceptional performance, and outstanding operational success through this initiative.
A Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
The timing of the announcement is deeply symbolic. The medals are announced every year on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. As India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Patel's legacy of national unity and integration serves as the inspiration for these awards.
Launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the initiative continues to strengthen the professional fabric of India's policing and security apparatus.