Crimes against women: Is the system to be blamed?

Believe it or not, there are several women in the police department who have either been waiting for a promotion since decades or have retired at the post they were recruited, without a single promotion. This is an indicator of the confusion prevailing in the department and state government regarding the promotion of women police officials.

Take the case of Sumitraben, a police constable posted in Sabarkantha and due to retire on March 31, 2011. She was posted as a constable 30 years ago and hasn't been promoted even once during her entire tenure. Similarly, Taraben, a head constable and assistant sub inspector in-charge of police, has been posted in Himmatnagar for the last 26 years. "I have never been promoted till now, and am hoping I will be before I retire," she said.

The state government is still to get clarity on the promotion criteria for women police officials.