New Delhi: In a rare coincidence and for the first time in the history of Delhi, six women IPS officers will be taking care of law and order in six out of 15 districts of the national capital. Three are already working as Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), while three others have been posted only recently.

Benita Mary Jaiker, a 2010 batch IPS officer, is simply thrilled. “I am glad that everyone is being given an equal opportunity. Officers of all genders are tested by the same exams and training. There was no disparity then… there should be none now. I hope I live up to expectations,” said Jaiker, who will be heading the South District as the DCP.

As an IPS officer, she has been giving her services in Delhi for more than 10 years. “When I joined the Delhi Police as a probationer 10 years ago, I was posted in the South District. I feel I am familiar with the district. There will be new challenges for a DCP, but I am ready,” she said.

Shweta Chauhan, a 2010 batch IPS officer, who has been appointed DCP, Central District. She is currently posted as DCP, Headquarters, said: “When I saw the order, I felt that top leaders didn’t discriminate against women officers and gave postings based on merit and experience. It will be wonderful to see women leading six important districts. The public will appreciate the decision.”

Similarly, 2010 batch officer Esha Pandey, DCP, PCR, has been transferred as DCP to Southeast District. Three women DCPs -- Usha Rangnani, Priyanka Kashyap and Urvija Goel – are already been posted as DCPs in Northwest, East and West Districts of the Delhi Police, respectively.

“The decision will encourage many women officers in the future. Earlier, four women officers were given important districts at one time. This time, I know my seniors will perform well and pave the way for young women officers,” said Urvija.

The Delhi Police was reorganised in 1946 when its strength was almost doubled. In the wake of partition, a large influx of refugee population rolled in and there was a sharp rise in crime in 1948. It was on February 16, 1948 that the first IGP of Delhi was appointed and the total strength of Delhi Police was increased by 1951 to about 8,000 with one Inspector General of Police and eight Superintendents of Police.

A post of Deputy Inspector General of Police was created in 1956. With the rise in the population of Delhi, the strength of Delhi Police kept on increasing and in the year 1961, it was over 12,000. Presently, the sanctioned strength of Delhi Police is 83,762.

In the year 1966, the Government of India constituted the Delhi Police Commission headed by Justice GD Khosla to go into the Problems faced by the Delhi Police. It was on the basis of the Khosla Commission Report that the Delhi Police was once again reorganised. Four Police Districts, namely, North, Central, South and New Delhi were constituted. The Delhi Police Commission also recommended the introduction of the Police Commissioner System, which was eventually adopted from July 1, 1978.