DGP Prakash Mishra (left) honours a policeman at the event in Cuttack on Monday. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 21: Fifty police personnel were awarded the state awards (DGP’s discs) on Monday.

At a special programme held at Ramkrushna Padhi Memorial hall in police lines, the officials were conferred with the commendation disc for their outstanding work in the field of law and order and investigation.

Two dozen officials have been conferred with the prestigious award for meritorious service, particularly in the Maoist-affected areas in the state.

“Most of the police personnel who have been awarded are from Maoist-affected areas and they have been discharging their duties with a lot of hardship. The awards will certainly inspire others to work with honesty and dedication,” said director general of police Prakash Mishra.

Officials said that though the DGP’s disc were to be awarded on the occasion of 79th foundation day of Odisha police, it was not possible due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the elections. Besides, most of the officers were busy with the election process.

“Odisha police has done a commendable job in tackling the left wing extremism which was possible only due to the efforts of the police officials working in the intelligence and field level officers,” said inspector-general of police Yeshwant Jethwa.

Jethwa said all police officials in the Maoist-affected districts were working relentlessly round the clock and this had resulted in reducing the rebel problem in many areas.