Bihar Government Raises India's First Tribal Women Battalion

The Bihar government has established the country's first tribal women police battalion called the 'Bihar Police Swabhiman Vahini' with a force of 675 constables.

Praising the Bihar police, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday at the party's conference, stated that the empowerment of women in all walks of life is one of the topmost priorities for the state government. "The country's first 'Bihar Police Swabhiman Vahini' is a breathing example of our devotion and commitment for improving the lives of ST women", he said.

Passing out ceremony

The passing out ceremony of this battalion was held last Wednesday at Patna's Mithilesh stadium. Oozing confidence, the women police, the majority of whom belong to tribal areas, displayed their skills at the parade before the Chief guest DGP Gupteshwar Panday and other senior officials of the department.

Talking to New Indian Express, ADG (CID) Vinay Kumar told that majority of the battalion involved constables who are part of the ST community from Bettiah, Jamui, Rohtas and other regions. "The women cops recruited in this battalion displayed marvellous ability during practice and presented a high degree of professional skill," he said.

Also Read: Women Army Officers: We Didn’t Fight For A Job, We Fought To Serve

"The country's first 'Bihar Police Swabhiman Vahini' is a breathing example of our devotion and commitment for improving the lives of ST women", he said.

Rigorous training

Kumar stated that the battalion's permanent headquarters would be at Valmikinagar in West Champaran. However,  for the time being, they have been posted at BMP-5 until the foundation is set up.

ADG (HQ) Jitendra Kumar affirmed that the battalion, being the first in the nation, endured rigorous training for several months. This took place at the BMP-2 headquarter in Rohtas.

The parade was commanded by a woman constable Karuna Hansdah belonging to the Tharu tribe. According to the ADG (HQ), a request has been made to the Central Selection Board of Constable to make another round of recruitment.

“These women are known for their hard work and can withstand even adverse conditions,” Sharma said.

Infrastructure needed

Bihar Military Police’s Deputy Inspector-General (North zone) Awadesh Kumar Sharma told that efforts were on to procure land to set up the headquarters of the proposed battalion. “Letters have been sent to both West Champaran and East Champaran district magistrates to provide the required land,” he stated.

Around 100 acres are needed. “For the time being, we require at least 60 acres. Once the land is obtained, the process of selection of personnel can begin,” Sharma said. He added that the battalion would have sufficient strength of 992 personnel.

Though the Bihar Military Police has a separate women’s force at Sasaram in Rohtas region, the new battalion would have only tribal women, mainly from Tharu tribe.

“These women are known for their hard work and can withstand even adverse conditions,” Sharma said. Currently, the state has 18 battalions of the elite team, established to deal with organised crime.

Also Read: Meet Godawari Dutta, The 93-Year-Old Mithila Artist From Bihar

Image: NIE

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV