Rising Number of Women in Central Armed Police Forces

In recent years, there has been increase in the number of women personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India. As of 2024, the representation of women has nearly tripled since 2014. This growth reflects ongoing efforts to enhance gender diversity in the security sector.

Current Strength of Women in CAPFs

Women now comprise 4.4% of the total 9.48 lakh personnel in the CAPFs. This includes the Assam Rifles and six other paramilitary forces. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has the highest percentage of female personnel at 7.02%. Other forces like the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have lower representation, with figures ranging from 3.38% to 4.43%.

Recruitment Growth from 2014 to 2024

The number of women in CAPFs surged from 15,499 in 2014 to 42,190 in 2024. In 2024 alone, 835 women were recruited, with an additional 5,469 in the recruitment process. Projections indicate that 4,138 more women could join in 2025.

Government Initiatives and Policies

In 2016, the government reserved one-third of constable-level positions in the CRPF and CISF for women. For border forces, the reservation was set at 14-15%. However, recruitment lagged behind these policies, leading to concerns from the Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs regarding the low representation of women.

Recommendations from Parliamentary Committees

The Parliamentary Committee recommended that the Home Ministry accelerate recruitment drives and create a supportive environment for women in border outposts. They brought into light the need to identify barriers preventing women from joining and proposed practical solutions to enhance participation.

Recent Developments and Supportive Measures

In response to challenges, the government has introduced measures such as waivers for application fees and relaxations in physical tests for women. Facilities like maternity leave and childcare support have also been established. Additionally, committees addressing sexual harassment have been set up to ensure a safe work environment.

Future Prospects

The future of women’s representation in CAPFs looks promising with ongoing recruitment drives and supportive policies. The commitment to gender equality in the security forces remains a priority for the government.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of gender diversity in the Central Armed Police Forces on security operations.
2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at increasing women’s representation in paramilitary forces.
3. Point out the challenges faced by women in joining the Central Armed Police Forces and suggest solutions.
4. Analyse the role of Parliamentary Committees in shaping policies for women’s recruitment in security forces.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of gender diversity in the Central Armed Police Forces on security operations.

1. Gender diversity enhances decision-making and problem-solving capabilities within security operations.
2. Increased representation of women can lead to improved community relations and trust, particularly in sensitive areas.
3. Women bring unique perspectives and skills, which can be crucial in various operational contexts, including counter-terrorism and community policing.
4. Gender-diverse teams are often more effective in de-escalating conflicts and addressing gender-specific crimes.
5. Research indicates that diverse teams can perform better, leading to more successful security outcomes.

2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at increasing women’s representation in paramilitary forces.

1. Government initiatives, such as reserving positions for women, have led to increase in female recruitment over the past decade.
2. However, implementation gaps remain, as many recruitment policies have not been fully realized in practice.
3. Supportive measures, like application fee waivers and relaxed physical tests, have been beneficial but may not address deeper systemic issues.
4. Parliamentary committees have expressed disappointment over slow progress, indicating a need for more aggressive strategies.
5. Overall, while initiatives show promise, their effectiveness is hindered by cultural and institutional barriers within the forces.

3. Point out the challenges faced by women in joining the Central Armed Police Forces and suggest solutions.

1. Women face societal stereotypes and cultural biases that discourage them from pursuing careers in security forces.
2. Physical fitness standards and recruitment processes can be perceived as barriers due to differences in male and female capabilities.
3. Difficult working conditions, including postings in remote or hostile environments, deter women from joining.
4. Solutions include creating more supportive work environments, offering mentorship programs, and ensuring gender-sensitive policies are in place.
5. Implementing flexible work arrangements and providing childcare facilities can also enhance recruitment and retention of women.

4. Analyse the role of Parliamentary Committees in shaping policies for women’s recruitment in security forces.

1. Parliamentary Committees play important role in reviewing government policies and making recommendations for improvement.
2. They highlight gaps in recruitment policies and advocate for concrete actions to increase women’s representation.
3. Committees have called for the identification of barriers to women’s recruitment and proposed practical solutions to address these issues.
4. By conducting thorough investigations and reporting findings, they hold the government accountable for its commitments to gender diversity.
5. Their recommendations often lead to policy adjustments and increased focus on creating a conducive environment for women in security forces.