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Women in the Driver's Seat: Mumbai Police Empowers Its Female Constables

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Women constables in the Mumbai Police have made significant strides in breaking barriers, and one notable example is their involvement in driving police vehicles. After a decade of perseverance, around 350 women drivers are now proudly maneuvering police vehicles across the city, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Constable Jyotsna Dangat. The shift began when the department implemented an eight-hour duty shift system, making room for women constables to take on driving roles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first woman driver in the Mumbai Police was Constable Jyotsna Dangat, who was posted at Deonar Police Station in 2015 and received her official driving license from the Motor Transport Department.
  • Around 350 women drivers are currently operating police vehicles across the city, with several women undergoing formal driver training after Dangat's entry.
  • The department had been grappling with a shortage of skilled drivers since 2003, with recruitment for driver positions stalled.
  • The introduction of the eight-hour duty shift system in 2015-16 led to a shift in policy, allowing women constables to be deployed as drivers.
  • Women drivers are now involved in operating 'Nirbhaya' patrol vehicles, dedicated to assisting women and children in distress, with over 300 vehicles currently driven by women across the city.
  • The involvement of women drivers has eased the workload for male drivers, allowing women to take on crucial responsibilities.

Statistics:

  • 350 women drivers are currently operating police vehicles across the city.
  • The Mumbai Police has 99 police stations, with around five vehicles at each station on average.
  • Three out of five vehicles at each station are driven by women.
  • The department had been grappling with a shortage of skilled drivers since 2003.
  • Around 300 vehicles are operated by women across the city.
  • Michael Bloomberg (2006-2014) Mayor Michael Bloomberg took an electrifying step by cutting the Big Apple's vehicle fleet size by 40%, while also adding to its e-vehicle fleet.

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