Heartwarming Update: Bengal Police Empowers Mothers by Easing Salwar-Kameez Uniform Rules for Pregnant & Postpartum Officers
The West Bengal Police has revised its uniform policy to accommodate the needs of pregnant and postpartum women officers, allowing them to wear white or khaki salwar-kameez instead of the traditional shirt and trousers. This change, detailed in a recent departmental notification, is driven by the practical challenges women officers face during pregnancy and lactation while performing their duties. The notification recognizes that many women choose to remain on duty throughout these phases, necessitating a reconsideration of uniform requirements to facilitate their effective performance.
Under the new guidelines, women officers can opt for this alternative uniform from the 12th week of pregnancy up to 12 months after childbirth, pending approval from their respective units. Previously, while some districts offered exemptions from traditional uniforms for pregnant and lactating policewomen, central guidelines still often required them to wear saris or tight-fitting uniforms, creating discomfort.
The policy emphasizes the importance of a supportive work environment for these officers, urging supervisors to ensure conditions that enable effective contribution during this important life stage. The revised uniform policy specifies different options for various ranks and seasons: khaki or white terrycot kameez and salwar for summer, and angola kameez and salwar for winter.
This initiative is hailed as a significant step toward fostering an inclusive atmosphere for women officers in the state police force. A senior woman officer noted the positive impact of relieving pregnant officers from wearing belts and the tight, conventional uniform, though she acknowledged that there is still room for further improvements.
Importantly, the uniform change is voluntary, allowing officers the choice to adhere to standard dress codes if they prefer.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/can-wear-salwar-kameez-bengal-police-relaxes-uniform-rules-for-staff-during-pregnancy-postpartum-periods-9779237/
Category : Cities,Kolkata
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Publish Date: 2025-01-15 04:23:00
