Kerala Cabinet approves 30 percent representation for women in police force

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Cabinet has decided to increase women's representation in the state police force to 30 per cent. Under the new decision, 30 out of every 100 civil police personnel recruited will be women.

Currently, the ratio of male to female police personnel is 9:1. The government has decided to change this to 7:3. The Cabinet approved a recommendation submitted by State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar. With this decision, women will account for nearly one-third of the police force.

The move was also included in the 100-day action plan of the UDF government. Male and female police personnel are currently recruited through separate Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) rank lists. Earlier, only every tenth Civil Police Officer (CPO) vacancy was reserved for women. Under the new system, seven vacancies will be allotted to men and the remaining three to women.

Earlier, 63 women had been appointed as Station House Officers (SHOs). Women police personnel are responsible for several important duties, including recording statements from women victims of crimes and survivors of POCSO cases. They are also involved in other responsibilities, including Pink Patrol and the women's helpline.

Central commission recommended 33% representation

The Central Commission for Administrative Reforms had earlier recommended increasing women's representation in police forces to 33 per cent. The recommendation was part of efforts to strengthen measures to prevent crimes against women and children.

Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Telangana, Delhi and Puducherry had already announced 33 per cent reservation for women in their police forces.