Women in Khaki hold the line

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

From Motor Transport sections to traffic control and investigations, female officers now serve in roles previously dominated by men.

While 647 constables, 10 PSIs, and four police inspectors represent growing representation across ranks, officers highlight ongoing struggles with extended shift duties, inadequate washroom facilities, and the strain of balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments. Leadership acknowledges these challenges, implementing regular duty rotations and planning enhanced facilities. Female personnel continue contributing significantly from gathering intelligence on drug trafficking to conducting safety awareness in slum communities. Despite hardships during bandobast duties and night shifts, women officers remain committed to public safety, positioning themselves as essential force multipliers in law enforcement.

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Women in every role

Women now serve across almost every section of the city police force. Even two women the Motor Transport (MT) unit has women personnel operating MT cars used for patrolling, investigations, bandobast duty, and official transport.

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City women police strength

Designation

Total

Female

Dcp

04

01

Acp

02

01

Police Inspector (pi)

35

04

Psi

108

10

Constables

2646

647

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Work–life balance key

“Work–life balance remains the main challenge for women in the force, so we regularly rotate female personnel between duties. Women’s Day should not be limited to a single day it is a reminder throughout the year that women are equally capable. We are also working on facilities like mobile toilets and organising skill development and empowerment programmes for women.”

-DCP (HOME) Sharmishta Gharge Walawankar

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Duty beyond home

“During the 60-day bandobast duty, we often miss family celebrations, school meetings, and urgent moments at home, and night duty is especially challenging. Yet, on many occasions, women themselves come forward with crucial information about drug peddling within their families. Their courage to speak up shows how women can play a vital role in bringing positive change to society.”

- Geeta Bagawade, police inspector

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Women on duty

“Most of the lady police officers continues night duties despite the lack of proper public washroom facilities. We also organised safety surveys and awareness camps in slum areas, educating girls from pre-primary to university about good touch and bad touch. On Women’s Day, I remind everyone: women are Navdurga, a source of strength. Parents must trust their daughters.”

- Kanchan Mirdhe, PSI , Damini Pathak

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Duty despite hardships

“During our 9 am to 9 pm duty, drunken drivers often create obstructions and difficult situations on the roads. Long hours of duty also bring basic challenges like the lack of washroom facilities. Yet, we continue our work with dedication because our primary responsibility is the safety and security of citizens.”

- Lakshmi Jadhav, Traffic Police Constrable