Jammu and Kashmir police gets two more women Battalions

New Delhi, June 14: With an aim to enhance the gender equality in policing in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government on Wednesday approved raising of two women Battalions for the state police. Notably, this will also help in addressing the issues relating to gender-based violence faced by Women in the valley.

 

One battalion each will be raised in Jammu region and Kashmir region. At least sixty percent of posts will be kept reserved for women of 10 border districts including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Kargil and Leh. This will provide direct employment to over two thousand deserving women in Jammu and Kashmir.

However, the recruitment process will be completed by the State government within one year. A senior official in the Home Ministry said, “The one-time fund requirement on account of buildings, mobility, arms and ammunition, etc. to the tune of Rs 105 crore for raising of these two women battalions would be borne by the Centre and the recurring expenses towards salary, etc. would be borne by the state government.”

Importantly, the initiative of raising two women battalions for the Jammu and Kashmir Police was announced by Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his recent two-day visit to the valley. Last year, the central government approved raising of 5 All-women India Reserve Battalion for Jammu and Kashmir police after the demand of CM Mehbooba Mufti-led government.