Sikkim Police honoured with President of India’s Colour Award, creating history for the Himalayan state

The Sikkim Police have etched their name in history with the conferment of the President of India’s Colour Award, one of the most prestigious and rare national honours bestowed upon police forces in the country. 

The historic achievement was formally announced during a press conference addressed by Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, who described the recognition as a moment of immense pride not only for the force but for the entire state of Sikkim.

Addressing the media, the DGP said the beginning of the New Year 2026 has brought exceptionally good news for the state. He informed that the honour has been conferred by the President of India and acknowledged the continued support and guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Receiving such national-level recognition, he said, is a blessing and a matter of honour for every member of the Sikkim Police.

The DGP emphasised that the award does not belong to any individual officer or rank but is a collective honour for the entire force, from senior leadership to personnel at the grassroots level. The recognition, he said, reflects years of dedication, discipline, courage, and unwavering commitment to public service. He further noted that retired officers and personnel of all ranks also deserve equal credit, as the award is the result of sustained and collective service rendered over generations.

Explaining the significance of the President’s Police Colour Award, the DGP said it is a ceremonially decorated flag known as the “President’s Colour,” awarded only through a highly regulated and formal Colour Presentation Parade. While every police force has its own flag, the President’s Colour is a rare distinction granted strictly as per laid-down traditions and protocol.

With this honour, Sikkim has become the 15th state in the country to receive the President’s Colour. Along with the flag, an official insignia is also awarded, which can be worn by all officers and personnel on the left side of their uniform. Receiving both the flag and insignia from a senior national dignitary, the DGP said, is a matter of exceptional pride for any police force.

Highlighting the rarity of the award, the DGP traced its history since Independence. Only a limited number of police forces have received the President’s Colour, including Madhya Pradesh in 1950, Uttar Pradesh in 1952, Delhi Police in 1954, Maharashtra in 1961, and Punjab in 1992. After a long gap, the honour was conferred upon Jammu and Kashmir in 2003, Tamil Nadu in 2009, Tripura in 2011, Assam in 2014, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh in 2019, Haryana in 2022, and the 36th Guard in October 2024. This selective list, he said, underscores the exceptional value and prestige of the recognition.

For the Sikkim Police, with a strength of around 6,500 personnel, the award marks a defining moment. The DGP said serving members of the force feel fortunate to witness this milestone during their tenure, adding that it will remain permanently etched in the history of the state police.

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Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, who also holds the Home portfolio, the DGP said the parameters for the award include Sikkim’s status as one of the most peaceful states in the country, its strong law-and-order framework, harmonious police–public relations, and its reputation as a tourist-friendly state. These achievements, he said, are the outcome of consistent policy direction and guidance from the state government.

The DGP also credited the people of Sikkim for the honour, stressing that peace and harmony can only be sustained through cooperation between the police and the public. He said the disciplined, law-abiding, and cooperative nature of Sikkim’s citizens has played a vital role in maintaining stability and public order.

Reflecting on his own career, the DGP said addressing the media on such an occasion was deeply emotional for him, having served in the Sikkim Police for 35 years. He praised the local media for its fearless and balanced reporting, noting that while shortcomings are highlighted when necessary, achievements in crime detection, conviction rates, cybercrime control, drug enforcement, and public safety are also reported fairly. Constructive criticism, he said, helps the police improve and strengthen public trust.

Providing technical details, the DGP said the President’s Colour flag measures 3 feet 9 inches in length and 3 feet in width, with a 2-inch golden fringe and the official Sikkim Police insignia emblazoned on it. The flag and insignia will be formally presented during a Colour Presentation Parade, to be held after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

As per protocol, the award can be presented only by the President of India, the Prime Minister, or the Union Home Minister. Once preparations are completed, a formal request will be made through the state government to fix an appropriate date for the ceremony, which will be conducted with full ceremonial honours.

The conferment of the President of India’s Colour Award in 2026, the DGP said, will forever be remembered as a moment of historic pride for the Sikkim Police and the people of the state.