In an effort to ensure effective implementation of laws for protection of women, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved the 33 percent reservation of non-gazetted posts in the police forces in UTs for women. The reservation will apply horizontally and in each category (SC/ST/OBC and others) in direct recruitment in posts from Constables to sub-inspector in the police forces of all Union Territories, including Delhi Police.
The move is aimed at increasing the representation of women in the police force and sensitise it to increasing gender related crimes in the country.Women usually hold low ranking posts such as hawaldars and sub-inspectors, which do not have significant decision making authority. Reservation will ensure that high ranking officers are sensitive to the plight of the victim and issues related to sexual crimes are given due attention.
The reservation will be applicable to all vacancies that arise on the day of the issue of the bill and after that. Further, amendments in section 154 and 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have made it mandatory that the reports of crimes against women as well as their statements are collected by women police officers or women officers only. This will make it easier for women to report such crimes, which is often seen to be the biggest problem in controlling the issue in the country.
“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,” the government said in a statement.
Justice Verma Committee report
The move comes in the backdrop of the suggestions made by the Justice (Retd.) Verma Committee. The committee was made after the Nirbhaya rape case in 2012 brought to light the dismal state of women’s safety in the country. Recognising the need for reform, the government said in a statement that a “skewed police force” is a major practical barrier in effective implementation of legislation intended for the protection of women.
In light of the fact that expediency on the part of the police might have saved the victim’s life, the committee had also recommended that irrespective of which jurisdiction the crime was committed in, individuals should be able to file an FIR at any police station. It had also recommended strict adherence to the guidelines issued for the police by the Delhi High Court in 2008, one of which says that in cases of sexual offences, the duty officer must intimate the rape crisis cell. All police stations and PCR vans should have CCTVs, said the committee.
Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said on International Women’s Day that they would soon implement the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee in the capital. The first step would be to set up fast track courts so that victims of sexual crimes can be awarded justice in time.Â