Gandhinagar, July 29 — The Gujarat Police on Wednesday expanded its annual honours framework by increasing the number of ‘DGP Commendation Discs’ from 110 to 148 and, for the first time, introducing a separate recognition system for civilian employees, in a move aimed at reflecting the force’s growing size, increasing responsibilities and evolving operational demands.
Director General of Police (DGP) G. S. Malik announced a comprehensive revision of the annual reward system, citing the significant increase in the strength of the Gujarat Police and the emergence of new challenges over recent years.
The revised framework also broadens the eligibility criteria for the awards and extends recognition to personnel serving in specialised units that were previously not explicitly covered.
The DGP Commendation Disc was introduced in 2020 to honour exceptional service. Since 2019, more than 30,000 police personnel and officers have been recruited into the Gujarat Police.
During the same period, the force expanded with the creation of new police ranges and districts, the establishment of specialised units including the Cyber Centre of Excellence and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and the expansion of the jurisdiction of police commissionerates across the state.
According to police, the expanded award framework has been introduced to recognise the sustained efforts of personnel who perform their duties round the clock and to ensure that their contributions receive appropriate acknowledgement.
Under the revised system, eligibility has been widened beyond crime detection and prevention. Outstanding work in administrative duties, traffic management, performance during elections and excellence in sports at the national and international levels will now also be considered for the awards.
The minimum qualifying service required for eligibility has also been reduced from seven years to five years.
The scope of the DGP Commendation Disc has also been broadened to explicitly include personnel from the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Armourers and Band Staff, ensuring representation from all branches of the police force.
In another significant change, the Gujarat Police has introduced the ‘DGP Commendation Roll’ for civilian staff. The new honour acknowledges the contribution of civilian employees who support the department’s day-to-day administration.
From this year, 10 Commendation Rolls will be awarded annually to outstanding civilian employees, including junior clerks, senior clerks, deputy administrative officers, accountants and stenographers.
“The DGP Commendation Disc and the newly instituted DGP Commendation Roll will be presented every year on December 15, a date of particular significance for the force as it marks the day on which the Gujarat Police was honoured with the President’s Colours,” officials said.
Reacting to the changes, DGP Malik said: “No exceptional contribution made by any member of the Gujarat Police, whether a police personnel, officer or civilian staff member, will ever go unnoticed. Every outstanding performance will be recognised and honoured on an appropriate platform.”