The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, August 9, 2026: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the force’s contribution to maintaining law and order, internal security and public service.
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and other dignitaries were present during the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Shah congratulated the Puducherry Police, the Union Territory’s government and its people on receiving the honour. He said the President’s Colours represent one of the highest recognitions for a disciplined force and reflect the police personnel’s courage, commitment and sustained service.
Shah highlighted the unique administrative and geographical challenges faced by the Puducherry Police, which is responsible for policing four geographically separated regions. He said that despite its relatively limited strength, the force has continued to protect the Union Territory and serve its people while contributing to the preservation of Puducherry’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Referring to Puducherry’s history, the Home Minister said the region retained its Indian cultural identity and spiritual character despite being under French rule for several years.
He also recalled the role played by the Puducherry Police during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying its service to citizens during the crisis would remain an important chapter in the force’s history.
Shah further spoke about reforms in India’s criminal justice system, noting that the three new criminal laws introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have replaced the colonial-era penal provisions. According to him, the new framework focuses on delivering justice through technology, defined timelines and greater public trust.
Highlighting the Centre’s development initiatives in Puducherry, Shah said several major infrastructure projects have been undertaken in the Union Territory. These include the four-laning of National Highway 332-A at an estimated cost of ₹2,200 crore and the development of an extended airport runway measuring around 3,400 metres in length and 45 metres in width.
The Home Minister said the Centre’s financial support to Puducherry has increased substantially in the last 12 years. He stated that while ₹3,500 crore was provided for development between 1950 and 2014, the Modi Government allocated ₹13,762 crore to Puducherry between 2014 and 2026.
He added that industrial investments worth around ₹39,000 crore have also been facilitated in Puducherry over the past nine years. Shah said several central welfare programmes, including Lakhpati Didi, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, free foodgrain distribution and Direct Benefit Transfer, have benefited residents of the Union Territory.
Shah reiterated that the Central Government remains committed to Puducherry’s development and would continue working towards the welfare and progress of its people.
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