364 Maharashtra Police Personnel Await President's Medals Pending Since 2023

A total of 364 Maharashtra Police personnel announced as recipients of the President's Police Medals between August 2023 and January 2026 are still waiting to receive their physical medals, with official presentation ceremonies at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai remaining pending.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announces the President’s Police Medals annually on Republic Day and Independence Day to honour police personnel for gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service. Normally, the medals bearing the recipient's name along with certificates are presented within a year during a ceremonial function hosted by the Governor at Raj Bhavan. However, prolonged delays in Maharashtra have left awardees waiting past their retirement, while two personnel have died before receiving their honours.

According to official details, the pending recipients include 76 personnel from August 2023, 62 from January 2024, 59 from August 2024, 43 from January 2025, 49 from August 2025, and 75 from January 2026. Across these lists, awards include 106 Gallantry Medals, 21 Distinguished Service Medals, and 237 Meritorious Service Medals.

Among those awaiting their medals, two police personnel have died, including an Assistant Police Sub-Inspector whose name was announced in the January 2025 list. Multiple other awardees have retired from active service without having the medals pinned to their uniforms.

Police personnel cited several reasons for the backlog, including delays in engraving names on the medals, lingering disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic, and difficulties in obtaining a date from the Governor for the award ceremony.