Crimes against Women: MHA nod to special force of women for villages

Maneka Gandhi said that “if women are trained in self-defense and are empowered economically then a shield can be created”.

The Union Home Ministry has cleared the proposal to appoint young women as special police officers (SPOs) in villages to check violence against women.

“Young women aged 21 and above and those who have cleared Class XII will be eligible for the SPO’s post and will be trained accordingly. They will alert the police whenever they come across cases of domestic violence, harassment or abduction,” said Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi here on Thursday.

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The minister added that the SPOs will “strike fear in the minds of boys”.

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The minister said that “if women are trained in self-defense and are empowered economically then a shield can be created”. “We are in search of such a shield,” she added.

Referring to 33 per cent reservation for women in police force in Madhya Pradesh, Maneka said it should be introduced across the country.