Rajasthan is set to roll out its ‘Kalika Patrolling Units’, specialized all-women police teams in distinctive blue uniforms to patrol public spaces such as malls, colleges, and religious sites. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of women and children in the state, addressing concerns like eve-teasing and other forms of harassment.
In a groundbreaking move to bolster women’s safety, the Rajasthan Police will soon launch its ‘Kalika Patrolling Units’, an initiative that will see all-women teams patrolling public spaces across the state. These teams, which will operate in malls, colleges, and religious places, are designed to ensure the safety of women and children, particularly in crowded, vulnerable areas.
The initiative, which will begin next week, comes as part of the state’s commitment to tackling rising concerns over eve-teasing and other forms of harassment. According to Malini Agarwal, Rajasthan’s Additional Director General of Police, the first phase will see the establishment of 250 Kalika units, each consisting of four female officers. This number is expected to grow to 500 teams over time, with Jaipur hosting 35 units and 10 units stationed in each District Commissionerate.
These patrolling teams will operate under the leadership of senior female police officers and will use scooters for mobility, ensuring they can quickly access various public places. The officers will be equipped with distinctive blue uniforms, designed to make them easily identifiable. The uniforms will feature a neon monogram on the back, and the officers will wear matching caps, black helmets, and ride black scooters. This uniform design not only ensures that the teams are easily recognizable but also gives them a professional, authoritative appearance.
The introduction of Kalika Patrolling Units is part of the state’s larger strategy to address crimes against women and children, announced by the Bhajan Lal Sharma government in June. As part of the initiative, Rajasthan will also expand its existing Nirbhaya Squad and install CCTV cameras in strategic public locations, such as girls’ and women’s hostels, to enhance security.
To further streamline operations, a dedicated police control room will be set up to handle emergency calls, with a special number for residents to contact if they witness or experience any incidents of harassment. The government hopes that these measures will provide a significant deterrent to crimes targeting women and create a safer environment across Rajasthan.