The Hindu : Women police battalion commissioned

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 31, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Women police battalion commissioned

By Our Special Correspondent

Senior police officers with laptop computers presented by the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, at the commissioning of the first women police battalion of the Tamil Nadu Special Police at the Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai on Friday. — Photo: Vino John

CHENNAI, JAN. 30. A ``women police battalion'', stated to be the first in any State police force, was commissioned by the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, here today.

At a function at the Rajaratnam Stadium, she took the salute, inspected a parade by women police and presented the colours (battalion's flag).

Ms. Jayalalithaa presented laptop computers to 15 police officers. The Government had issued orders for purchase of 67 computers. The Chief Minister also inaugurated 1,083 completed construction projects, which included 1,033 police quarters and 39 police stations, and laid the foundation for 1,091 quarters, 16 restrooms and a regional office of the forensic science department.

Ms. Jayalalithaa said there were 4,777 women constables in the State police force. Last year alone, 1,599 constables were taken in the Tamil Nadu Special Police. Tamil Nadu was also a pioneer in the setting up of all-women police stations. At present 148 such stations were functioning, efficiently dealing with the problems of women. Even in recruitment, the State Government gave priority to women. A total of 2,308 women constables would be recruited soon. Also, 961 sub-inspectors were to be appointed. Further, 49 women were given employment on compassionate grounds.

The Chief Minister said a ``women commando unit'' was part of the battalion commissioned today. All personnel in the battalion would be trained in horse-riding, handling modern weapons and climbing.

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