Reiterating its commitment to ensure safety and security of women in the State, Punjab Government on Sunday announced that Special Armed Women’s Security Squads would be deployed in each district of the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, while flagging off first unit of Women Armed Special Protection Squad (WASPS) for six districts of Bathinda Zone, said that Punjab Government has issued special directions to the State police not to spare the perpetrators of crime against women.
He informed that Bathinda zone has been chosen as pilot project and 10 teams has been made in every district to ensure the proper implementation of the project.
Divulging the details of functioning of the squads, Sukhbir said that these teams would be deployed near educational institutions, markets and other busy places in the districts to ensure the security to the women besides launching a special patrolling drive in the districts.
He said that Activa scooters have been provided to every team and the cities would witness regular patrolling.
“These women cops would be well-dressed equipping revolver, handcuff, baton, chilli powder, wireless system and complete sound system to send an alert,” he added.
Sukhbir added that during this pilot project, teams of Special Armed Women Security Squads would discharge their duties at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Faridkot, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts from 8 am to 5 pm.
“These teams would work under beat system and in any emergency, they can call for assistance of police. This exercise would be expanded in the remaining districts of Punjab,” he added.
Adding, he said, Punjab Government was fully committed to safeguard the dignity and rights of women and instructions have been issued to all concerned authorities to immediate resolve the pending issues pertaining to women.
He also said that instructions have also been issued to the police authorities not to call women in police stations for enquiry procedures.
He said that Punjab Government was also going to expand the number of women constables in the state.
He said that Punjab has recruited 3,233 women constables while 1200 more women constables would be recruited in next three years including 338 women sub-inspectors.
Badal also informed the process of setting up special 20 judicial courts dedicated to women was on.