Measures to Encourage Recruitment of Women in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) & Assam Rifles (AR)

New Delhi:  The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Recognizing the importance of diversity and gender inclusion, the Government has implemented various measures to encourage the recruitment of women personnel in these forces. As of now, the existing strength of women personnel in CAPFs and AR is 41,606.

These are the steps taken to encourage the recruitment of women personnel in CAPFs & ARs.

1. Wide Publicity and Fee Exemption: Recruitment efforts are widely publicized through print and electronic media to attract female candidates. All female candidates are exempted from the payment of application fees.
2. Relaxations in Physical Standards: To ensure equal opportunities, there are relaxations in Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for female candidates compared to their male counterparts during the recruitment process in CAPFs.
3. Maternity and Child Care Benefits: Women personnel in CAPFs are entitled to facilities like Maternity Leave, Child Care Leave, and other benefits provided by the Central Government.
4. Inclusive Recruitment Boards: In recruitment processes, at least one female member is detailed as a board member to ensure gender-inclusive and unbiased selections.
5. Creches and Day Care Centres: CAPFs have established Creches and Day Care Centres to support women employees in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
6. Sexual Harassment Committees: Committees at all levels have been constituted to address and expeditiously deal with complaints of sexual harassment, ensuring a safe working environment.
7. Equal Career Progression: Women personnel have equal opportunities for career progression, promotions, and seniority as per the Recruitment Rules (RRs), on par with their male counterparts.
8. Deferred Appointment for Pregnant Candidates: The appointment of a woman candidate who is pregnant for 12 weeks or more is held in abeyance until the confinement period is over, allowing for a supportive and accommodating approach.

These initiatives signify the Government’s commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce within the CAPFs and AR, empowering women to contribute effectively to the nation’s security.