The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is celebrating four decades of women serving in combat positions this year. This landmark occasion marks the establishment of India’s first women combat battalion in 1986, which has significantly advanced the involvement of women in the nation’s security sector. To honour this achievement, the CRPF plans to host a commemorative ceremony on September 25.

During the event, GP Singh, Director General of the CRPF, along with the President of the CRPF Family Welfare Association (CWA), will acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of both veteran and current female personnel. This recognition aims to highlight the impact these women have made in the field of security and law enforcement over 40 years.

Expansion of Women’s Operational Roles

Since the inception of the first women battalion, the CRPF has broadened its operational framework, now including six dedicated Mahila Battalions deployed across various regions in India. Additionally, women personnel serve in specialised capacities and frontline situations, reinforcing the critical nature of their roles in maintaining public order and safety.

Each Rapid Action Force (RAF) unit within the CRPF now includes women teams specifically trained for crowd control and counter-riot operations. Women are increasingly taking on integrated operational roles, particularly in the Bastariya Battalion, which operates in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, further underscoring their growing presence in challenging environments.

Over these four decades, female personnel have engaged in numerous demanding assignments, showcasing their essential position within the CRPF’s operational responsibilities. The dedication exhibited by women in the force is reflected in the honours they have received for bravery and distinguished service.

Recognition and Honour for Brave Service

The contributions of women in the CRPF have not gone unnoticed, with several personnel earning prestigious awards for their exemplary service. Notably, the late constable Kamlesh Kumari is the only recipient of the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest award for peacetime gallantry, which she was awarded posthumously for her bravery during the terrorist attack on Parliament in 2001.

Additionally, the force has acknowledged individuals such as constable Vimla Devi, who received the Sena Medal for her efforts, and Lance Naik Rajwan Devi, who earned an Army Chief Commendation for her actions at the Elephant Pass Check Post in Sri Lanka in 1988. Constable Bindu Kumre also received a gallantry medal for her courageous response during the Srinagar Airport terrorist incident in 2001.

The CRPF emphasises that the progress made by women serving in the organisation over the years reflects a commitment to operational inclusivity and equal opportunities within the security framework. This ongoing journey aims to enhance the overall efficacy and representation of women in India’s security forces.

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