Government announces 33 per cent woman quota in UTs' police

NEW DELHI: The Centre today announced 33 per cent reservation for women in police forces of union territories, including Delhi, for posts from constables to sub-inspectors, in a move aimed at making police more gender-sensitive.

The government said the decision will also instill confidence among women and enable them to approach police without hesitation for seeking protection and assistance.

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod to the decision which comes against the backdrop of rising demands for concrete actions to curb crimes against women, more so after the ghastly Delhi gangrape case in December 2012.

Noting the changes made in criminal laws following the recommendations of the Justice (retd) Verma committee, the government said in a statement that a "skewed police force" is a major practical barrier in effective implementation of legislations intended for the protection of women.

The reservation will also cover reserved categories like SCs, STs and OBCs, it said.

"Police is the first line of interface between citizens and the law enforcement machinery. It has been observed that many women do not approach the police as they may have to confide or report the incident to a male police officer.

"This is particularly so in respect of sex-related crimes," it said.

This decision will help augment the number of women in the police force of all UTs and Delhi Police so as to make them more gender-sensitive, it said.