Despite the central government's persistent efforts to bolster the presence of women in police forces to 33 per cent, recent data disclosed in the Lok Sabha revealed that only 11.75 per cent of police personnel in the country are women.
Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisories on several occasions, including May 21, 2014, May 12, 2015, June 21, 2019, June 22, 2021, and April 13, 2022, urging all state governments and Union Territory administrations to strive for a 33 per cent representation of women police in their total strength.
Rai highlighted that as of 2022, only 11.75 per cent of police personnel in the country are women which is progress from earlier as per data which revealed that in 2021, the figure stood at 10.49 per cent, and in 2020, it was 10.30 per cent.
The Ministry has recommended the creation of additional posts for women constables and sub-inspectors by converting vacant positions, intending to have at least three women sub-inspectors and 10 women police constables in each police station. This, according to Rai, would ensure the availability of a round-the-clock women help desk.
While the total number of women police stations in the country increased from 518 in 2014 to 745 in 2022, Rai emphasized that further steps are required.
States have been advised to enhance welfare measures for women police personnel, ensuring their safety, and providing a conducive work environment, including housing, medical facilities, and restrooms in police stations, to attract more women to join the police force.
The central government remains committed to achieving the target of 33 per cent women representation in police forces across the nation.
