Aggrieved Kiran Bedi gets support from women's groups

NEW DELHI: Aggrieved senior IPS officer Kiran Bedi, who was superseded for the top post in Delhi Police, has found overwhelming support from women's groups who branded the decision as "unfortunate" and demanded that it should be reviewed.

"It is an administrative matter. But there should not be any gender bias in the services. It must be ensured that women get a fair chance from the lowest to the highest levels in the services," NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas said.

"We would have been elated had she been promoted to the top post. And it is also natural for us to feel a little sad when a woman is not able to reach the top," she said.

Former NCW Chairperson Mohini Giri said this is the third instance in a matter of months when women have been superseded for top positions in the government.

She cited the examples of IFS officer Veena Sikri and Women and Child Development Secretary Reva Nayyar, who were denied the posts of foreign secretary and cabinet secretary respectively.

Giri called for a review of the government's decision to opt for Y S Dadwal over Bedi for the post of Delhi Police Commissioner.

"It is a great hindrance to the empowerment of women," she said.

Giri said Bedi is meritorious with proven ability and deserved the post.

Women's rights activist Ranjana Kumari termed the decision as "unfortunate" and said women have been meted out injustice since a long time.

"On the one side, you are appointing a woman President. On the other side, you are overlooking a capable woman, who has competence and capability," Kumari said and asked for the decision to be reviewed.

Sudha Sundaramanan of All India Demcratic Women's Association (AIDWA) also criticised the decision, saying the normal procedure should have been followed while appointing the Delhi Police chief.

"She has shown herself to be competent and efficient. If she approaches us for support, we will do so," Sundaramanan said.