Saree eliminated for women cops

As per a new notification issued by the top cop Chittranjan Singh, it is now mandatory for policewomen up to 45 years of age to don a khakhi shirt-trouser. Those above 45 have the option of wearing a salwar kameezYou can call it the momma of all makeovers. Women cops in the state will no longer have to wrap themselves in the six-yard wonder. A new dress code will ensure they are able to carry out their duties with ‘no pallus attached’.

As per a new directive from the office of Director General of Police, women cops up to 45 years of age will be required to don a shirt and trousers. Those above 45 years of age, however, have the option of wearing a salwar-kameez. A notification stating the same was sent to all the police stations in the state on June 8.

The women in the rank of constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors will be given two khakhi-coloured shirt-trousers pieces each. The cops can get them stitched and claim the tailoring charges from the department.

For a half-sleeves shirt and trousers, the cop can claim up to Rs 180 and for full-sleeves shirt and trousers up to Rs 185. The new attire will be similar to those of the women cops in state reserve police.

Savitaben Vaniya, 51, assistant sub-inspector with the women’s cell of the crime branch, lauds the decision. “It is a good decision. Carrying out duties in a saree becomes difficult during bandobasts. I prefer the salwar kameez, though,” she said.

Head constable Jashodaben Solanki, 51, said, “I’ve been wearing the saree for the past 30 years and a change is welcome. I don’t think I’ll be comfortable in trousers though, so I’ll opt for salwar-kameez.”

However, constable Sumati Parmar, 33, will switch over to “the modern attire.” “It’s nice that the department has come up with a new dress code for women. It brings in a lot of discipline. I prefer a shirt-trousers uniform because it is even more comfortable than the salwar-kameez. Also, it looks more aggressive and suits a cop’s personality.”

Inspector C N Chaudhary of the women’s cell of the crime branch said, “A decision regarding the new dress code for women cops was taken after DGP’s meeting with the dress committee on April 21. Women police personnel up to 45 years of age will have to mandatorily wear a shirt and trousers on duty. Those above 45 years of age, can wear a salwar kameez too. However, sarees will no longer exist in the police force. A notification regarding the same was sent to police stations across the state.”