Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Paving Way For Women's Representation In State Police Force

Bihar is witnessing a surge in employment opportunities. Since coming to power in 2005, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has consistently worked towards the development of the state and the welfare of all sections of society.

Under his vision, outlined in the "Saat Nischay" (Seven Resolutions) programme Phases 1 and 2, a large number of women have been recruited into the police force, with the recruitment process ongoing.

Photo Credit: PTI

Before 2006, the representation of women in Bihar Police was minimal. However, in 2013, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar introduced 35% reservation for women in police recruitment, significantly increasing their numbers in the force.

This move has empowered women and made them self-reliant. Today, a substantial number of women are being recruited into Bihar Police, raising their proportion to nearly 29%, the highest in the country. Currently, approximately 29,000 women police personnel serve in Bihar.

In comparison, Delhi has 12.30% women in its police force, Maharashtra has 12.52%, and Tamil Nadu has 18.50%. According to police headquarters, Bihar Police has seen a 27-fold increase in the number of women personnel over the past 18 years. On 1 January 2005, there were only 893 women police officers in the state. After the 35% reservation policy in 2013, their numbers rose sharply.

Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs' Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) shows that, as of 1 January 2022, Bihar had 19,790 women police personnel, placing it at the top, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 19,299. By 2023, the number of women police officers in Bihar rose to 24,247, and in 2024, it has reached approximately 29,000.

In terms of total numbers, Uttar Pradesh leads with 29,112 women police officers out of a total police strength of 3,03,450, representing 9.59%. Maharashtra follows with 26,890 women police officers out of 2,14,776, constituting 12.52%. While Bihar ranks behind these states in absolute numbers, it is the leader in terms of percentage, with 29%. Tamil Nadu comes next with 18.50% women in its force of 1,12,745. Himachal Pradesh also stands out with 19.15%, while Delhi Police has 12.30% women among its 82,195 officers.

The national average of women in police forces is currently 16.05%, while Bihar's proportion of 29% is 13 percentage points higher. Bihar Police has a total strength of 1,10,000 personnel, and with 65,000 more officers to be recruited, this number will rise to 1,85,000. This increase will improve the police-to-population ratio, which currently stands at one police officer per 1,000 people. After recruitment, this ratio is expected to improve to one officer per 649 people, enhancing effective policing.

Bihar has also formed its first-ever women's battalion. Additionally, women's police stations have been established in all 40 police districts and four railway police districts, with 647 posts created for these stations. A "Swabhiman Battalion" has been constituted for women from Scheduled Castes. Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, Bihar is experiencing an employment boom, with women at the forefront of progress.