Mahila Police Diwas CM: Haryana to recruit 1,000 women constables, 100 sub-inspectors

Highlighting that more than 25,000 complaints of crime against women were received in all women police stations set up in 21 districts of the state since last year, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal said the numbers speak for the faith that people have in women police officers in the state. The chief minister addressed a gathering of police personnel at Indradhanush Auditorium to mark Haryana’s first Mahila Police

Diwas in Panchkula on Wednesday. “The role of women police force is no longer limited to controlling women protesters during agitations, but also listening to complaints and investigating cases. It is sad that women constitute less than 5 per cent of police force, but we will improve it with addition of 1,000 women constables and 100 sub-inspectors,” said Lal.

The day was celebrated to mark one year of setting up of women police stations in all the 21 districts of the state, which are run solely by women police personnel, except for additional support of a few men constables to assist arrest of male accused. As many as 25,754 complaints of crime against women were received in all 21 women police stations ever since they were set up in August last year, of which 196 cases were registered following complaints made on the women helpline number – 1091. “95 per cent complaints have been disposed of. A total of 45,175 calls were received on women helpline number on the basis of which 170 cases were registered and appropriate action has been taken in 96 per cent cases,” said Haryana DGP K P Singh.

CM Lal said from gender equal police reforms to strengthening women police force through recruitment of 1,000 constables, the women representation in police will be increased from 5 per cent to at least 10 per cent. In order to strengthen the infrastructure at the women police stations, 50 PCRs and 100 scooters were provided.

The chief minister said women police volunteers will be appointed in every village of the district beginning from Karnal and Mahendergarh, where the volunteers will help in maintaining coordination with people. “Police help desks have been set up at sub-division level in the state that would be subsequently converted into women police stations. There will be Mahila Paramarsh Kendras (women consultation centres) in every police station to address cases of domestic violence. Women groups with at least five senior women would be constituted to resolve cases through mutual dialogue,” Lal said.

Among other announcements, he said, a provision has been made for financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh for women victims and a proposal has been mooted to appoint one women advocate in every police station.

Four women cops awarded

Mukhyamantri Mahila Sarvotam Seva Padak was also instituted for women police officers for outstanding work in the field of crime against women. The awardees included inspector Garima, assistant sub-inspector Rekha Rani, head constables Sunita Devi and Neenu Khan.

From taking strict action in cases of domestic violence to strict vigil outside schools and colleges to keep a check on cases of sexual harassment, the women police officers were awarded for their prompt action in cases of crime against women.

Sunita Devi, posted in women police station in Panchkula, was awarded for her quick action in preventing child marriage of a girl in rural Panchkula. She alerted the department of women and child welfare and in collaboration with the police, the marriage was stopped.