On September 27 a picture of a woman constable went viral which showed her working at the reception desk with her six-month-old daughter sleeping on the desk. This picture is of Archana Jayant, a constable at Jhansi’s Kotwali police station, who was going about her job, like just another day. On October 28, after her picture grabbed attention from the social media, Uttar Pradesh DGP Om Prakash Singh confirmed her transfer to Agra, where her parents stay, to make her task a little easier.
21st-century woman
Soon after woman cop’s picture went viral, Director General of Police (DGP), Om Prakash reacted to it. He referred Archna as a “quintessential 21st-century woman”, who juggles between her personal and professional life, with elan. The officer also said that this instance has inspired the police department to explore the possibilities of having a creche at every police station.
While talking to The Indian Express, DGP Prakash said, “When I saw the image and read the story, I spoke to the Inspector General (IG) Jhansi, who has rewarded the constable with Rs 1,000 in cash. I got to know that she is very hard-working. When I spoke to her, she said the only problem she is facing is that she does not have family support.”
Archana was posted in Jhansi in 2016 as a woman constable. Her in-laws are in Kanpur, and parents in Agra. While talking about her transfer, the DGP said, “She cannot be posted to Kanpur (officially her home district after marriage) as we do not post constables in their home district. She said she would be grateful if she could be posted in Agra and I immediately ordered for her transfer there so she can get her family’s support.”
On duty with daughter
The Logical Indian spoke to constable Archana. She said that “I met him (DGP) yesterday, and I urged him to transfer me to Agra, where my parents live. He has agreed to for the transfer. However, no written confirmation has come yet.”
Archana is still in Jhansi and is presently posted at Punjab National Bank (PNB) bank for her duty. Her infant daughter, Anika has also accompanied mother cop to the bank. With the cooing sounds of her baby at the background, Archana told The Logical Indian that she was extremely shocked when she found out that her picture has gone viral. “It was a usual day at work. The AC inside the office was at low temperature. So I took my daughter to the reception area and started doing my work. I had no clue when the picture was taken, I guess some reporter might have taken the picture. I only got to know about it when it had gone viral,” she said.
She says that she is delighted with the kind of love and support she is getting from so many people. When we asked her there are any facilities in the police station for the young mothers, she said, “No, there are no such facilities at the police station. However, all the staff members help each other. Jab jo free hota hai wo help kar deta hai (Whoever is free, takes care of the baby). Somehow or the other we manage to work and take care of the child. If I am extremely occupied, then any staff member who is free at the moment takes care of my daughter.”
“It is my responsibility”
We asked what problems a young mother like her faces at the police station and how she manages at work with her daughter. She said, “It’s not that difficult, it gets done with some help. She says, “To work as a constable is my duty and to take care of my daughter is my responsibility. I have to do both properly, like all the women have to do.”
She also said that it was unfortunate that there were no facilities at the police station for the mothers but is hopeful that after DGP’s promise of installing creches at the police station. “The DGP has now announced for the creche facilities. Let’s wait and see in how much time it gets installed. But, surely it will be a great help to many mothers like me,” she added.
The Uttar Pradesh police department has awarded Rs 1,000 to Archana for her dedication. While talking about her award she says that “The award has been announced but, I have not received it yet, as it takes some time for these things.
Jubilant Archana further says that it is a movement of pride for her. “It is not the matter to me how big or small the award money is. For me, it is just the recognition of my hard work, and I am happy about that.”
Archana also told us that in August this year she had gone to Lucknow to request for her transfer. Later she also wrote an application to the Lucknow head staff department to urge for her transfer. However, she was told that she was no vacant post in Agra then. She was asked to wait for a vacancy to get a transfer in Agra.
However, she is happy now that at last, she will be able to go back to her parents. She says, “If I get a transfer to Agra. Then there will be someone to take care of my children.” Archana has another daughter, 10-year-old Kanak (10). She said that her husband works with a car manufacturer near Gurgaon in Haryana.
Demand for facilities
After her picture went viral, many people on social media saluted the cop and even demanded proper facilities for young mothers at the police department.
Meet ‘MotherCop’ Archana posted at kotwali jhansi for whom the duties of motherhood & the department go side by side !
She deserves a Salute !! pic.twitter.com/oWioMNAJub— RAHUL SRIVASTAV (@upcoprahul) October 27, 2018
The Logical Indian also tried to reach the DGP, however, failed to get any response.
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