Governor Bandaru Dattatraya stressed on women empowerment and said that they were contributing in every area of development and we should be provided with equal opportunities in every field.
He was speaking while presiding over the function organized by the Himachal Pradesh Women Police on the International Women’s Day at the historic Ridge in Shimla, today. While congratulating the women on the day, he said that the day also signifies contribution and important role of women in the society. On this day the women were made aware of their rights and prevention of atrocities and injustice towards them.
“In India culture women have a special place in society. However, the status declined more during the medieval period due to foreign invaders”, said Dattatraya and added that there have been many policy changes that took place in the last 20 years. He said that Indian Constitution has given equal rights to women and efforts have been made to improve their condition by enacting many acts but despite the implementation of all the constitutional, statutory and government policies, the condition of women has not yet changed and disparity still exists in many forms.
He expressed happiness that the standard of living of women in the state was much better and as per the census of 2011, female literacy rate was 74 percent and 972 was sex ratio in the State, which was a big achievement. He said that 2344 women were serving in Himachal Police at various posts and levels and the female deployment from traffic to tourist police has given a new image to the police. He said that Indian Women Reserve Battalion was established in Himachal Pradesh in the year 2008 with the creation of 1007 posts. The State Government was giving appointments in Police Department to women who have excelled in sports, so as to encourage them to participate in sports as well as provide them employment opportunities warrior.
He appreciated the important services rendered by the police particularly women police as front line corona during the pandemic. He congratulated the State police on receiving the first prize for the year 2020 for the best performance in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems among the hill states. He hoped that in future also, the state police would continue to serve the general public with more sincerity, fairness, devotion and sensitivity.
Earlier, the Governor took the salute from the march past led by Parade Commander Srishti Pandey and contingents of women police. He also recorded his message on the International Women’s Day on the ‘Signature Board’. He also released a Coffee Table Book- Virangna on the occasion.
Sanjay Kundu, Director General of Police welcomed the Governor on the occasion and said that the HP Police Women Force was serving the State and Nation dedicatedly since last 50 years. Their commitment and dedication were commendable, he added. He said that the female officers as well as other officials have always shown their ability in performing their duties and were always in a fore-front to perform. He said that female officers of the Department were also in center stage and many of them were in a top position.
He said that during the Indo-China dispute, the five police officers sent to the border area had two women police officers among them. He said that only by empowering women, we could stop domestic violence against women. He said the Department would pay more attention to providing facilities to the officials working in difficult circumstances like traffic sections etc. and to address the gender issues.
Sumedha Diwedi, DIG, Southern Range, and chairperson of the organizing committee welcomed the Governor.
On this occasion, UAC Demonstrations, bike stunts, musketry drills were presented by women police personnel. The Governor also felicitated the police personnel on the occasion.
Manoj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Senior officers of Police department, former DGP I.B. Negi and R.R. Verma and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
