Mumbai Might Get Its First Woman Police Chief In Rashmi Shukla IPS

In the race to lead the police force in Mumbai, State Intelligence Commissioner Rashmi Shukla, and Anti-Corruption Bureau's Director-General Parambir Singh stand among the top contenders for the post. What makes this special is that if Rashmi Shukla, IPS, is appointed as the police commissioner in Mumbai, she will be the first woman to hold this post. Rashmi Shukla was also the second woman police commissioner of Pune when she took charge of the post in 2016.

For her outstanding performance, Rashmi Shukla has received DGP’s Insignia in 2004, President Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005 and President Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2013.

A 1988 batch IPS officer from Maharashtra cadre, Rashmi Shukla is a renowned officer in the Maharashtra Police Services. She not only worked for the betterment of women's status but also worked as a co-ordinator with the Maharashtra Government in the terror attacks of November 2008. As Mumbai looks at getting its first woman police chief soon, here are some of important facts about the leading contender for the post:

Dealing With Terrorists

When serving as Addl. DGP and Commissioner, State Intelligence Department, Maharashtra State, she also served as the supervisor of coastal security of Maharashtra. The area was most vulnerable to terrorism; it was twice used by infiltrators to carry out terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Not only this, but she also acted as the coordinator with the Government of India after the November 2008 terror attacks.

If Rashmi Shukla is appointed as the police commissioner, she will be the first woman to hold this post in Mumbai. She was also the second woman police commissioner of Pune when she took charge of the post in 2016.

An Officer With Pro-Active Work And Friendly Nature

Sunitta Raman at Citadel says, “Since the time she took over as Pune's Police commissioner in 2016, she has been making waves with her pro-active work and initiatives such as Buddy Cop, Police Kaka and CitySafe App. Her friendly nature and approachable work ethic has won the hearts of the Punekars. She thinks positive and that is how her work has become more successful than one thought.”

Awards Won

For her outstanding performance, Rashmi Shukla, IPS, has received DGP’s Insignia in 2004, President Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005 and President Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2013. She believes in giving her best to her work and says, “Instead of saying here is what I will do for the city, let my work speak.”

She also has reserved the timing between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm for citizens' grievance redressal. Speaking about Gender Bias to Citadel, she says, “Women are at the forefront of their careers. They have stormed all-male bastions and have reached greater heights in a male-dominated society. Why do they think of gender bias and inequality? I have not faced any gender bias and inequality in my career at all. I was made the Intelligence Chief on Maharashtra solely on the basis of my merit, hard work, and calibre. I was the important link between the Inspector General of Police and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. I would not have come this far had I thought of gender bias and inequality. It's all in the mind. They have to overlook all this and forge ahead with determination and true grit. Only then they will succeed in their respective field.”

Picture Credit: Citadel

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