The Punjab government announces a new reward policy offering cash up to ₹2 lakh for info on wanted criminals and gangsters.
The Punjab Government has officially notified the ‘Reward Policy 2026’ to arrest wanted criminals, including gangsters, absconders, and habitual offenders.
The policy institutionalizes a cash reward system ranging from ₹1 lakh to over ₹2 lakhs for informers and police personnel who provide actionable leads.
In a decisive push to make the state “gangster-free,” the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, notified the “Reward Policy for the Arrest of Wanted Criminals” on February 24, 2026. This initiative, following a cabinet approval on February 23, aims to formalize a transparent mechanism for granting monetary rewards to the public and law enforcement officials. According to DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, the policy empowers field officers to sanction rewards for information leading to the identification and arrest of criminals evading the law. This strategic move is part of the broader ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, designed to dismantle the ecosystem of organized crime across Chandigarh and the wider Punjab region.
Historically, rewards for criminal arrests in Punjab were discretionary and lacked a structured framework. The new policy represents a significant evolution in the state’s security strategy, moving from ad hoc announcements to a codified system. By categorizing “wanted criminals”—including proclaimed offenders and those deliberately evading arrest—the government is creating a legal and regulatory roadmap for civic participation in law enforcement. This shift is essential in the context of rising interstate and international gang networks, where local intelligence is often the key to cracking complex cases.
The notification has garnered diverse feedback from various sectors:
Government Official: DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasized, “This policy will motivate informers and recognize the exceptional efforts of our officers. It is a vital tool for a safer Punjab.”
Opposition Voice: Opposition leaders have questioned the source of funding, with some stating, “While rewards are good, the government must ensure that this money is not misused and that the witness protection program is equally strong.”
Expert Analysis: Cybersecurity and criminology experts suggest that this policy, combined with the Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946), creates a dual-layered intelligence-gathering system that is difficult for criminals to bypass.
Affected Party: A local resident from Gurdaspur, whose family was targeted by local goons, shared, “The promise of anonymity and a reward gives us the courage to speak up against criminals we once feared.”
Implementation Status
The policy has immediate practical applications. SSPs are now authorized to grant rewards up to ₹1 lakh, Commissioners and IGs up to ₹1.5 lakh, and Wing Heads up to ₹2 lakh, while the DGP can sanction amounts exceeding ₹2 lakh. The immediate outcome is expected to be a surge in “actionable intelligence” regarding the 60+ overseas gangsters currently on the state’s radar. However, a practical challenge remains: ensuring the safety of informants in a state where gang retaliation has been a historical concern. The policy addresses this by mandating that the identity of informers be protected at all stages.
Legal and Social Ramifications
From a legal standpoint, the reward is an ex-gratia payment, meaning it cannot be claimed as a matter of right, preventing potential litigation over reward amounts. Criminologists argue that this policy shifts the power dynamic from the criminal to the community. By “monetizing” the risk taken by citizens, the state is effectively outsourcing its surveillance to the public. Comparatively, this model mirrors successful federal programs in the US and Europe, which have shown that financial incentives are one of the most effective ways to break the “omerta” (code of silence) within criminal syndicates.
Expected Developments
The next steps involve the training of gazetted officers to handle reward recommendations transparently. By late March 2026, the state expects to see the first batch of rewards disbursed under this new framework. Further developments may include the integration of this policy with a digital “Wanted” dashboard where citizens can see the reward amounts attached to specific fugitives in real time. Stakeholders should watch for the impact of Operation Prahar-2, which is likely to utilize this policy to nab high-value targets.
The ‘Reward Policy 2026’ is a landmark shift in Punjab’s policing, emphasizing that public safety is a collective responsibility. By institutionalizing rewards and ensuring informant confidentiality, the government has strengthened its arsenal against organized crime. While challenges in implementation may arise, the broader significance lies in the empowerment of the common citizen. This balanced approach—combining financial incentives with strict law enforcement—is a critical step toward a more secure and stable Punjab.
