This Independence Day will be desperate for the Himachal Pradesh Police, as this is the first time in the history of the state when no police officer or employee was nominated for the prestigious President Police Medal. This unprecedented situation came to light when the Union Home Ministry announced medals for bravery, specific service and commendable service, but the name of Himachal Police was completely absent in it.
Home Ministry released list
226 bravery medals, 89 President Special Service Medal and 635 commendable service medals were released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Service, Union Territory and CAPF other organizations. But Himachal Police will not get a single medal in this.
Himachal left behind in the process
According to information received from police sources, administrative negligence is being considered the main reason behind this unusual situation. It is being told that the recommendation list prepared by Himachal Police Headquarters was submitted to the state government, but it could not be sent to the Union Home Ministry on time. Based on this list, the Ministry selects for medals. As a result, Himachal’s name did not come in any category this year.
Luck of other states
While Himachal was completely out of the race of medals, its neighboring states received many honors. Uttarakhand received 5 commendable service medals, while Jammu and Kashmir received 127 bravery medals, 2 presidential special service medals and 14 commendable service medals. Punjab and Haryana were also awarded 16 and 13 medals respectively. Even the small union territory Chandigarh was successful in getting two medals.
The only relaxed]Himachal cadre’s IPS received respect
However]among this disappointing news, there was a relief that Vim -free Ranjan, an IPS officer of Himachal cadre, has been awarded the President’s Special Service Medal. These officers of the 2009 batch are currently posted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Special Protection Group (SPG). He has previously lived in SP Kangra and has also held important responsibilities like security of the Dalai Lama.
Police administration under question
This entire incident has raised questions on the functioning of Himachal Pradesh Police Administration. While other states were successful in getting their brave and loyal policemen honored at the national level, the police of peace -loving and disciplined state like Himachal are not shocked to find any place.
Now it will be important to see who takes responsibility for this lapse and what improvements are made in future to not be deprived of such respectable opportunities. Also, it has become necessary that the state government should strengthen the process of awards at its level to maintain the morale of the Himachal Police.