Himachal to open two more all-women police stations

Himachal Pradesh has decided to set up two more all-women police stations this year to curb crimes against women, the government said on Sunday.

The new all-women police stations would be opened in Baddi and Kullu towns, a government spokesperson said in a statement.

Earlier, the government has opened all-women police stations in Shimla, Dharamsala and Mandi towns.

An all-women police station is headed by an officer of the rank of deputy superintendent of police. It comprises an inspector as the station house officer, two sub-inspectors, six head constables and 10 constables. Two constables would be available during the night.

To instill confidence in school and college girl students, the government started the 'Samarth Scheme' under which unarmed combat training is being given by police.

A total of 89,653 students were imparted training last year, said the spokesperson.

Police have also set up a quick reaction women's team, named Mahila Twarit Bal, in the state capital to check crimes against women.

A team of women police officials are monitoring the women's helpline and SMS service on crimes against women.

Last year, 2,772 complaints were received through SMS.

To monitor the progress of distress calls by women, an inspector general-level officer has been posted as the nodal officer at the state headquarters.

The annual average for rape victims in the state in the past decade stands at 180 cases, as against the national average of 24,305, the official said.

In 2014, one case of dowry death was registered as against two cases last year.