📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joydeep
Defence
West Bengal to launch 'Seema Mitra' award for BSF, SSB and police from 2027
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 09:01 PM
👁 19
The West Bengal government said it will introduce a 'Seema Mitra' award from 2027 to honour personnel of the Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and state police.
Kolkata, Nov 8 2026 – Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the West Bengal administration will institute a new civilian‑military honour called the ‘Seema Mitra’ award, effective from 2027. The award aims to recognise the dedication and sacrifices of personnel serving in the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the state police force.
The award will be conferred annually on Republic Day, with a citation and a cash component determined by the state cabinet. Eligibility is limited to officers and constables who have completed at least five years of service and have a record of meritorious performance in border security and internal law‑enforcement duties.
State officials said the initiative reflects West Bengal’s intent to boost morale among frontline security forces and to highlight the role they play in safeguarding the state’s borders and maintaining public order. The government will set up a selection committee comprising senior officials from the Home Department, the BSF, SSB and the police.
The announcement was welcomed by senior officers of the three forces, who described the award as a timely gesture that acknowledges their challenges on the ground. Implementation details, including the design of the medal and the exact cash prize, will be finalised in the coming months.
The award will be conferred annually on Republic Day, with a citation and a cash component determined by the state cabinet. Eligibility is limited to officers and constables who have completed at least five years of service and have a record of meritorious performance in border security and internal law‑enforcement duties.
State officials said the initiative reflects West Bengal’s intent to boost morale among frontline security forces and to highlight the role they play in safeguarding the state’s borders and maintaining public order. The government will set up a selection committee comprising senior officials from the Home Department, the BSF, SSB and the police.
The announcement was welcomed by senior officers of the three forces, who described the award as a timely gesture that acknowledges their challenges on the ground. Implementation details, including the design of the medal and the exact cash prize, will be finalised in the coming months.