To keep a check on crime against women in the state, Haryana Government on Wednesday launched Mahila Police volunteer scheme and inducted 950 women as part of the programme in Karnal.
With this, Haryana has become the first state in the country to adopt Centre’s initiative on Mahila Police Volunteer Scheme.
After launching the programme, Chief Minister Manohar lal announced that 1,700 women police personnel would soon be recruited in the Police Department.
With this, the strength of women in the Police Department will go up to 8 per cent. The state government would achieve the target of 10 per cent in the near future, he said.
He expressed hope that Haryana would be the first state to ensure 33 per cent participation of women in the state police force.
The Chief Minister administered oath to 950 newly inducted Mahila Police Volunteers. Initially, this scheme has been implemented in two districts, namely Karnal and Mahendergarh. The Mahila Police Volunteer shall be called Gram Sakhi and work as a bridge between the public and police to curb various crimes against women. Under this scheme, one Gram Sakhi would be deputed in each village and ward of Karnal and Mahendergarh.
Describing this scheme as a model system of policing, the Chief Minister said that Gram Sakhi would be given monthly honorarium of Rs1,000. Presently, a victim has to visit police station to register the complaint. But now, Gram Sakhi, on getting information about any crime against women in her area, would be able to directly report to the police on behalf of the victim.
He urged Gram Sakhis to work as Mahila Ki Mitar (women’s friend) and keep a close vigil in their area to prevent any crime against women.
The State Government has set up women police stations in 22 districts of the state and these have proved successful in curbing crime against women, he added.