By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: To uplift women and make them self-reliant, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has not only launched numerous schemes but also implemented a 35% reservation for women in police recruitment. This landmark initiative, introduced in 2013, has significantly increased the representation of women in the Bihar Police. Before 2006, the presence of women in the police force was minimal. However, following the introduction of the reservation policy, their numbers have grown exponentially.
This measure has not only strengthened women but also brought about significant social change. Women now enjoy equal rights and enhanced security, fostering a positive impact on the policing system. Victims, particularly women, feel more comfortable approaching female police personnel to file complaints, a significant shift from the earlier scenario.
On 1 January 2005, there were only 893 women officers and personnel in the Bihar Police. Post the implementation of the 35% reservation in 2013, this number surged to nearly 29,000, accounting for 29% of the state’s police force—the highest percentage of women police personnel in the country. In comparison, Delhi has 12.30%, Maharashtra 12.52%, and Tamil Nadu 18.50% women in their respective police forces.
Over the last 18 years, Bihar has witnessed a 27-fold increase in the number of women in its police force. While Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of women police personnel in absolute terms (29,112), this constitutes only 9.59% of its total police strength. Maharashtra follows with 26,890 women police personnel (12.52%). In terms of percentage, Bihar ranks the highest, followed by Himachal Pradesh at 19.15%.
The national average of women in police forces stands at 16.05%, whereas Bihar surpasses it with 29%, 13% above the national average. Bihar’s police force currently has 120,000 personnel, with plans to recruit an additional 65,000, increasing the total to 185,000. This will improve the police-public ratio from the current 1 officer per 1,000 people to 1 officer per 649 people, thereby enhancing effective policing.
The state has also established its first all-women police battalion and set up women police stations across all 40 police districts and four railway police districts. Additionally, a “Swabhiman Battalion” has been created to support women from Scheduled Castes.
Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar is also the first state to appoint four transgender sub-inspectors, highlighting its inclusive approach. Recruitment is set to expand further with plans to fill 78,000 additional posts, raising the total police strength to 229,000.
By introducing a 35% reservation for women in the police force, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not only empowered women but also set an example for other states to follow. This initiative is praiseworthy and exemplary, showcasing Bihar as a leader in promoting gender equality and inclusive development.
