Wednesday, July 27 2005 18:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mussoorie: Underscoring the need for better working environment for policewomen, President A P J Abdul Kalam today (July 27, 2005) said number of women police personnel in India should be increased to at least 10 per cent of the total force by the next two years.

Outlining eight suggested actions that can be deliberated upon, Kalam said each State may consider provisions of special facilities to women police personnel, such as creche in the working place, accommodation closer to workplace, maternity benefits and flexible working hours as per their convenience wherever possible.

"...There is need to provide a better working environment to women police than their male counterparts, particularly because women have to perform a highly demanding role of being an efficient police officer and also a devoted wife and mother," the President said amid applause while speaking as the Chief Guest at the Second National Conference for Women in Police being held here.

Nearly 300 women police officials from all over India are taking part in the three-day meet.

With the women constituting 2.5 per cent of total strength of the police force, Kalam said, "We can consider increasing the number of women police personnel in India to at least 10 per cent of the force by 2007."

Pointing out that incidence of crimes against women has quite significantly gone up, he said the role of the police, particularly women cops, has become quite crucial in such cases.