BENGALURU: The decision on mandatory shirt-trousers for women cops has evoked the mixed response from women in khaki. While a section of them, especially those aged above 40, have expressed their displeasure over the proposal, young women cops have welcomed the change in their uniform.
At a recent meeting chaired by Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Neelamani N Raju, a decision was taken to make shirt-trouser mandatory for women police, instead of the existing khaki saree uniform. The decision was aimed at making it easier for policewomen to react faster in preventing crime. Concerns were raised of late about the ability of women personnel to chase and catch criminals or respond quickly to an escalating security situation when dressing in a saree.
However, the decision has not gone down well with a few women police, who prefer saree over trousers. “This is my 24th year in the service. Never I wore pant and trouser. Now, it will be difficult for me to adjust to the new attire. I will be more comfortable in saree and can work more effectively,’’ said a 46-year-old policewoman on the condition of anonymity. Another woman police seconded her views. “We have participated in parades and even handled protests in sarees, but never faced any problem.”
Not all women cops agree though. Mary Shylaja, an inspector at a woman police station in Bengaluru, said that trousers and pants are more comfortable. “Often, women cops are deputed during protest rallies, where they have to walk along with the protestors. Holding saree and walking is a tedious job. Also taking people into custody in our vans will be easier in trousers and pants,’’ Mary told The New Indian Express. She always wore trousers and shirts during her 18 years of service.
Another woman police told TNIE that the new attire will also bolster the image of policewomen. “We do not have any problem wearing saree, but the new uniform will definitely enhance the image of policewomen. We might initially find wearing shirts and trousers difficult, but we will soon get used to the new uniform.”