On the eve of International Women’s Day 2022, which is celebrated every year on March 8, Indian Masterminds brings back into focus four lady IPS officers who managed to break the proverbial glass ceiling to emerge successfully on the other side as role models for all women.
In keeping with this year’s theme of Women’s Day – Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow – we highlight their success stories as apt examples of women achievers breaking gender bias to stand tall in their fields, becoming a source of inspiration for all women to draw strength from.
VIOLET BARUAH, FIRST WOMAN IGP, ASSAM
When the Assam government promoted Ms. Violet Baruah to the rank of Inspector General of Police in January 2022, she became the first woman in this post in the state.
The 59-year-old Assam Police’s seniormost woman IPS officer was the recipient of President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service this year and had received the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service in 2012.
She was posted as the DIG (BTAD) in Kokrajhar district when she was promoted to IGP rank. The 2004-batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre had earlier served as the Superintendent of Police in four districts – Morigaon, Goalpara, Cachar and Barpeta. She also worked in the CID wing of the Assam Police for a while.
Looking back on her long career, Ms. Baruah told Indian Masterminds, “I never said no to any posting. Wherever I was sent, I went. Whatever assignment I was given, I took up. Field postings are very hectic and involve a lot of hard work and work pressure. This leaves very little time for family. And I have been in field postings for the most part of my career till now. Yes, gender empowerment is taking place everywhere. However, what we need now is gender streamlining, so that more and more women break gender barriers and reach the top.”
CHARU SINHA, IPS, FIRST WOMAN IG of CRPF SRINAGAR SECTOR
When 1996-batch IPS officer of Telangana cadre, Ms. Charu Sinha, was appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Srinagar, she became the first woman officer to head CRPF’s Srinagar sector. Her appointment assumed significance as Srinagar sector is one of the most sensitive areas in the country. After taking charge of IG, she was in charge of all CRPF operations in the troubled area.
This is not the first time that she was given such important postings. Prior to this, she served as the IG of CRPF for Jammu and had a very successful tenure.
Counted among the most courageous officers in CRPF, Ms. Sinha also worked as IG, Bihar sector in CRPF and many anti-Naxals operations were carried out under her leadership in the state.
SHAIK SALEEMA, FIRST MUSLIM WOMAN IPS OFFICER OF TELANGANA
Ms. Shaik Saleema, who is DCP in Rachakonda Police Commissionerate, suddenly found herself in limelight when she was conferred IPS status by the Union Home ministry in December 2021. State police service officers getting promoted to IAS is nothing new. But in the case of Ms. Saleema, this routine procedure assumes special significance because she is the first Muslim woman to become an IPS officer in Telangana.
DCP Shaik Saleema was promoted as IPS in the non-cadre IPS promotion list by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. She had joined Telangana Police as a DSP after cracking the state Group B exam in 2007.
Ms. Saleema told Indian Masterminds, “I come from a lower middle-class family, and I just wanted a government job. I was taken aback when I got selected for the post of DSP. I joined with a little apprehension, but as time went by, I started enjoying my job. Nothing is impossible to achieve. With firm determination, anything can be achieved. Look at me. I never thought I would become an IPS officer one day. Coming from a backward community, it’s a big achievement.”
And a big achievement it is! She managed to break all gender and community barriers to become a trailblazer. A role model for thousands of young girls from not so privileged sections of society.
Perhaps realising the significance of this position, she said on a sobering note: “But with it comes more responsibilities. I hope to live up to everyone’s expectations and go on serving the nation.”
ANKITA SHARMA, FIRST WOMAN IPS OFFICER OF CHHATTISGARH
When Ankita Sharma cleared UPSC CSE and was allotted IPS, she officially became the first woman IPS officer of Chhattisgarh. She was married when she cracked the exam in 2018. She is currently posted as the ASP in Bastar district, a Naxal-affected area.
In just few months into service, she was honoured with `Nari Shakti Samman’ and two other awards for best results on field. She was also appreciated by the DGP of Chhattisgarh for taking on the drugs mafia.
Talking about the drugs operation at that time, she had told Indian Masterminds, “Ajay Kumar Yadav sir (SP) showed immense faith on me and gave me an assignment against drugs mafia. I am really glad that I and my team could pull off the mission.”
She firmly believes that having faith in oneself, whatever be the circumstances, is the key to success.
“Never get disappointed by failures. You will not find a single person who has ever succeeded without downfall. Always remember that falling and rising is a part of the journey of life.” she said.
While highlighting the achievements of these lady police officers, Indian Masterminds celebrates the true essence of a woman – strength – and wishes all women a Very Happy Women’s Day!
