The existing strength of women personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) is 41,606, the Union Government told the Lok Sabha on February 6.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the House in a written reply, pointing out that several steps are being taken by the Ministry to encourage recruitment of women personnel in CAPFs–Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, and Border Security Force–and AR.
Among the steps taken to encourage recruitment, the MoS said, was that the recruitment is being conducted by making wide publicity through print and electronic media.
“All female candidates are exempt from payment of the application fee. There are relaxations in Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test(PET) for all female candidates for recruitment in CAPFs in comparison to Male candidates,” said the Minister. He said that facilities already available under the Union Government, like maternity leave and child care leave, are also applicable to CAPF women’s personnel.
As per the Minister, one female member is detailed as a member of the board for the recruitment of women personnel.
“Creches and daycare centres are among other facilities being provided by the CAPFs to women employees. Committees have been constituted at all levels to check sexual harassment and to expeditiously deal with the complaints of women personnel.”
The Minister said that women personnel are given equal opportunities in their career progression, such as promotion and seniority, as per the recruitment rules, at par with their male counterparts.
(with inputs from ANI)
