Decision following 2012 Delhi gang rape aims to make police ‘more gender sensitive’ as city grapples with widespread violence against women

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The Indian government has approved a proposal to reserve one-third of police posts in Delhi for women, its latest move to address shocking levels of sexual violence against women in the capital.

The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, Narendra Modi, is part of a series of steps taken in the last few months to strengthen laws against sexual violence.

“[The cabinet] today gave its approval for making reservations of 33% for women … in direct recruitment in non-gazetted posts … of all union territories, including Delhi,” a government statement said.

There are seven union territories in India, including Delhi, which are partially or wholly administered by the national government.

The government decision will apply to all future recruitment drives for police field ranks from constable to sub-inspector.

The government hoped that its decision will make the police forces “more gender sensitive”.

“It will also instill confidence among women to enable them to approach the police without hesitation for seeking protection and assistance as and when required,” the government said.

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India has seen an outpouring of anger over high levels of violence against women, which surged in the aftermath of the 2012 gang rape of a medical student on a bus in Delhi.

The brutal incident shocked both India and the world, and led to a series of amendments to incorporate much stricter punishment for rape and other sexual crimes in the country.

In the past, activists have complained that the attitude among the male-dominated police forces across the country makes female victims much more reluctant to register complaints.

Many on social media welcomed the government’s move.

“33% reservation in police forces for women a good step taken by central government,” Devendranath Yadav said on Twitter.

The government’s statement released to the media also acknowledged the importance of women’s representation in the police force.

“A skewed police force with inadequate gender representation is a major practical barrier in effective implementation of legislation intended for the protection of women,” it said.