News, Image Source: bhaskar
Recently a survey was conducted by to review the gender inequality in Police force in India. The reports generated from that survey expressed concerns about the condition of the women in the field.Women in the police force have been grossly underrepresented in our country as they constitute to a mere 6.11% of the total police force. Despite a meagre number and lack of basic amenities like toilets, uncomfortable clothing & absence of privacy the lady police officers work have been commendable and praiseworthy.
The story of Raipur DSP Archana Jha is motivating and highlight the women power and instigates a sense of belonging in the nation, this brave officer takes her daughter to field with her for patrolling.
Archana has the duty to vigil the city for 2 nights in a week. In the absence of her husband who works in Bilaspur, it is not possible to leave her daughter at home. When the situation demands, she has to spend the whole nights on the streets of the city with her little girl accompanying her.
At the time of pregnancy when a lady is supposed to rest and take care of herself, the lady cop was bustling in the streets of Chhattisgarh organising security of the events of Chief Minister. She took the maternity leave for just 4 and half months which is just a fraction of 2-year leave granted by the Centre. The leave has now been increased to 6 months in the state.
Archana expresses deep concerns regarding the condition of women in the force. The women on duty have to go thirsty for long hours as there are no toilets around. The duty gear they wear is so heavy and uncomfortable that it chokes them to death. The lack of personal space is the biggest hindrance to restrict women from joining the Police forces.
It is a good news that the Ministry of Home Affairs are encouraging women participation in security with the announcement of 33 percent posts of constables in central police and 15 percent in border guarding forces but there is still a long way to go.
The Logical Indian salutes the efforts of the policewoman with which she does her duty despite personal responsibilities. She is spreading the message loud and clear that Indian women are brave and can handle difficult circumstances well. She has pinpointed the issue of women empowerment, this time in police forces. We believe that much needs to be done to bring down the structural barriers and make women an integral part of the police force. Therefore, we urge the government to carry out good policies and effectively implementing and monitoring them. We hope that women will take inspiration from Archana and strive hard to achieve gender equality by participating in large numbers in security forces.