Sun Dec 08 13:27:56 UTC 2024: ## Telangana Makes Strides Towards Gender Equality in Police Force, but 33% Goal Remains Distant

**Hyderabad, December 8, 2024** – Telangana has made significant progress in increasing women’s representation in its police force, recruiting a record number of female officers in 2024. However, despite these advancements, the state still falls short of the Indian government’s target of 33% female representation.

The state recruited nearly 2,500 women police personnel this year, constituting approximately 20% of total recruitments – the highest number ever. This includes 2,338 women constables and 145 women sub-inspectors. Currently, women comprise 8-10% (5,300-6,700) of the 67,000-strong Telangana police force.

While Telangana DGP Jitender lauded the progress, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to increase female representation, he admitted that the 33% goal remains a challenge. The state’s progress is echoed in comments by Telangana Additional Director General (Law and Order) Mahesh Bhagwat who highlighted that while every police station now has at least one female officer, the number varies based on local population and crime rates. In some remote areas, meeting the 33% target remains logistically difficult.

The Ministry of Home Affairs’ data from January 1, 2023, ranked Telangana 15th among 36 states and union territories, with 5,351 women police personnel. The central government has issued repeated advisories, most recently on December 5, 2023, urging states to reach the 33% target, including recommendations for creating additional posts and ensuring at least three women sub-inspectors and ten women constables in each station for a round-the-clock women’s help desk.

Telangana Police Academy Director Abhilasha Bisht noted that while the state is on track, achieving the 33% goal requires more time, citing the relative newness of the reservation policy. However, she emphasized that unlike many other states, Telangana faces no shortage of women willing to join the force, predicting a positive demonstration effect from the large recent recruitments. The state is employing a gender-based recruitment approach rather than creating gender-specific posts to facilitate career progression for female officers.

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