Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, honouring the force for its bravery, service, hard work and dedication.
Addressing the gathering, HM Shah said the conferment of the President’s Colours was a testament to the Puducherry Police’s valour, hard work and commitment to protecting the Union Territory and maintaining its internal security. He described the award as one of the highest honours for a disciplined force.
HM Shah congratulated the Puducherry government, police personnel and people of the Union Territory on the force receiving the prestigious distinction. He said the Puducherry Police had joined the ranks of police forces across the country that had been awarded the President’s Colours.
The Home Minister highlighted the unique cultural and spiritual identity of Puducherry, describing it as a living symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India. He said that despite being under French rule for a long period, Puducherry had preserved its Indian identity and spiritual vitality.
The Puducherry Police, he said, has been responsible for maintaining law and order and safeguarding the Union Territory, which comprises four geographically separated regions. Despite its relatively small strength, the force has effectively discharged its responsibilities through its service and dedication.
HM Shah also recalled the contribution of the Puducherry Police during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying its service and courage while standing on the front lines during the unprecedented crisis would remain an important part of the force’s history.
He noted that the post of Director General of Police was created in Puducherry on October 1, 1963, after which the force continued to strengthen internal security in the Union Territory.
Highlighting reforms in the criminal justice system, HM Shah said the Narendra Modi government had replaced the penal codes enacted during British rule with three new criminal laws. He said the new laws were aimed not merely at punishment but at ensuring technology-enabled and time-bound justice. He said the new criminal laws were based on three pillars—Technology, Timeline and Trust.
HM Shah also outlined the Centre’s development initiatives in Puducherry. He said four-laning of National Highway 332-A was being undertaken at a cost of Rs 2,200 crore and an extended runway of approximately 3,400 metres in length and 45 metres in width had been constructed in the Union Territory.
Comparing development expenditure before and after 2014, HM Shah said the central government had provided Rs 3,500 crore to Puducherry for development works between 1950 and 2014. From 2014 to 2026, the Centre provided Rs 13,762 crore, nearly four times the earlier amount, he said.
The Home Minister further said that over the past nine years, the Centre had facilitated industrial investments worth Rs 39,000 crore in Puducherry.
He highlighted several welfare initiatives benefiting residents of the Union Territory, including Lakhpati Didi, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, construction of toilets, free foodgrain distribution, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Direct Benefit Transfer.
HM Shah said the Centre remained committed to the development of Puducherry and would continue working for the welfare of its people.
Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
