Andhra Pradesh Will Soon Be Getting A Women's Battalion

Andhra Pradesh is all set to have an exclusive women battalion, Home minister Mekathoti Sucharita has revealed on Sunday. The state government is considering to raise four additional battalions as there is a provision in the AP State Reorganisation Act 2014. Each battalion will have about 1000 personnel. Out of the four, there will be one women and one tribal battalion, reported TOI, further adding that while Telangana raised four battalions after the state bifurcation, while Andhra Pradesh did not utilize the provision.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharita has revealed that the state is going to have an exclusive female battalion.

Speaking to TOI, director general of police, Gautam Sawang said the Union government will support Andhra Pradesh in raising the new battalions. It will provide infrastructure and monetary support to the state. He elaborated that having a women battalion will not only increase women's representation in the police force but will also help in dealing with women-centric issues.

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Not the first State

However, Andhra Pradesh won't be the first state to have a women battalion. States like Assam, Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir, along with CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) also have women battalions.

"The government can establish four battalions of police post bifurcation,” revealed Sucharita, but unlike Telangana, the Andhra Pradesh government put a pin on it and has only decided to establish the battalions now.

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Other important agendas

Establishment of new battalions wasn't the only thing Sucharita discussed. She also revealed that prioritising women's safety in the state, the government was in the process of establishing a toll free number for women soon.

In reference to Tadipatri pastor incident, Sucharita confirmed that she had received a call from the girl’s mother, complaining of how her daughter was subjected to sexual abuse by the pastor.

Andhra Pradesh won't be the first state to have a women battalion. States like Assam, Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir, along with CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) also have women battalions.

“I have directed the cops to take immediate action and they have booked the pastor and arrested him in less than two days. All complaints pertaining to crimes against women and children will be dealt with in the same manner,” she said, adding that friendly policing initiatives will be launched soon.

Sucharita also informed that the government would also be implementing the weekly off system for the police personnel, which would help the policemen spend at least one day in a week with their families.

Another important announcement made by the state Home Minister was that the results of 2018 police recruitment test would be announced soon. Also, notification to fill vacancies would be issued at the earliest. Stating that it was the responsibility of the police to protect law and order, Mekathoti said steps would be taken to prevent atrocities against women and children.

Picture Credit: Hindustan Times

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Snigdha Gupta is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv