Centre Announces 'Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026' for 490 Personnel

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the **Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak** for 2026 on Saturday (October 31, 2026), conferring the medal on **490 personnel** across States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Central Police Organisations (CPOs).

Key Features / Major Points:

- Significance of Date:

- Announced annually on **October 31**, coinciding with **National Unity Day** (the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister).

- Core Focus & Categories:

- Recognizes exceptional achievements across five domains: Special Operations, Outstanding Investigation, Exceptional Performance, Intelligence Services, and Forensic Science.

- Institutional History:

- Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs via notification dated **February 1, 2024**, by merging four existing medals into a single unified award to streamline professional recognition.

- Eligible Wings:

- Personnel serving in state police forces, security organizations, intelligence units, CAPFs, CPOs, National Security Guard (NSG), Assam Rifles, and central/state forensic science laboratories.

Static GK Facts:

- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):

- Union Home Minister: **Amit Shah**.

- Formed: **August 15, 1947** | Headquarters: **North Block, New Delhi**.

- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

- India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister (known as the "Iron Man of India").

- Birth Anniversary: **October 31** (Observed as **National Unity Day / Rashtriya Ekta Diwas**).

- Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak:

- Officially Instituted: **February 1, 2024** (by MHA).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: How many personnel were awarded the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for 2026 by the Ministry of Home Affairs?

A: 490 Personnel

Q: On whose birth anniversary is the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak officially announced every year on October 31?

A: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Q: In which year was the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak officially notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs?

A: 2024 (February 1, 2024)

Q: What national event is commemorated in India every year on October 31?

A: National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)

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