Rajasthan to Launch Women-Led Kalika Patrolling Units for Public Safety

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 10th Dec. In a bid to enhance the safety of women and children in public spaces, the Rajasthan Police will launch specialized women-led patrolling units next week. These units, known as Kalika Patrolling Units, will be easily identifiable by their blue uniforms with neon monograms.

The initiative will begin with 250 teams, each consisting of four female officers, according to Malini Agrawal, Additional Director General (Civil Rights). The program is set to expand to 500 teams, with Jaipur initially receiving 35 units and each District Commissionerate receiving 10 units. These squads will operate under the supervision of senior female officers.

The units will be deployed in key areas such as schools, colleges, markets, malls, religious sites, tourist destinations, and parks, with the primary focus on preventing crimes like eve-teasing and chain-snatching. Female constables and head constables will patrol these areas on black scooters with matching helmets to ensure a uniform and authoritative presence.

To support their operations, a dedicated police control room and helpline number will be established. Agrawal emphasized that the decision to form these patrolling units was driven by frequent complaints of harassment in public spaces.

The Kalika Patrolling Units were first announced in June as part of the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government’s efforts to combat crimes against women and children. Finance Minister Diya Kumari highlighted the initiative during the budget announcement, stressing its role in curbing atrocities against vulnerable groups. Additional plans include strengthening the Nirbhaya women’s squad and increasing CCTV surveillance in public spaces and women’s hostels.