“Always do good. It comes back to you in unexpected ways.”
This timeless wisdom has found a remarkable reflection in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of 2020-batch IPS officer Anukriti Sharma. Her visionary approach has transformed the district into a model of policing, women’s empowerment, and public welfare. From exposing a national-level insurance fraud network to introducing maternity and child care facilities in every police station, her initiatives are reshaping the work environment for women officers while benefiting the community at large.
Sambhal has become the first district in UP to provide creches in all police stations – a milestone achievement for the welfare of women constables. This pioneering effort was made possible with the support of major insurance companies, including Tata AIG, ICICI Prudential, and IndiaFirst Insurance, through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
This commitment to women’s welfare is not new to Ms Sharma. During her earlier posting in Bulandshahr, she successfully established children’s rooms in five police stations. Recognizing the pressing need for safe, supportive spaces for police officers’ children, she expanded this initiative to Sambhal, ensuring that every female officer could work without worrying about her child’s safety.
Indian Masterminds spoke with Ms Sharma, an IPS officer of the 2020 batch and Additional SP of Sambhal, to learn more about this transformative initiative. As she explained, “When there are female constables with young children, there’s no place for them in the workplace. We wanted to ensure that every officer could work without worrying about her child’s safety and care.”
From Fraud Busting to Community Support
Months before the initiative’s implementation, Ms Sharma led a landmark investigation into an inter-state insurance fraud network, valued at over ₹100 crore and active across 12 states. The network involved fraudulent claims for seriously ill and deceased individuals, illegal alterations in government records, and even targeted killings for insurance money. Over 25 FIRs were registered, and more than 70 accused were arrested.
Read Here | How a Young IPS Officer’s Instincts Busted an Organized Insurance Fraud Syndicate
The investigation not only prevented massive financial losses but also inspired insurance companies to collaborate with the police for social welfare initiatives. Tata AIG, in particular, recognized the role of a female officer in this investigation and decided to contribute to the creation of maternity and child care rooms in Sambhal police stations.
“They said, ‘Ma’am, you have saved us so much money. Let us do something for your female officers.’ And that’s how the idea of children’s rooms took shape in all police stations,” she recalled.
Implementation and Infrastructure
The Mother and Child Care Rooms established across 15 police stations in Sambhal are fully equipped with:
- Beds and cradles for infants
- Toys, educational games, and stationery
- Chairs and mattresses
- A separate feeding room for mothers
The rooms were implemented in partnership with Round Table India, who managed the on-ground execution, while funding came entirely from Tata AIG. Ms Sharma emphasized, “We didn’t take any money; we only ensured the rooms were built effectively. Everything was left to the experts, and the results are now visible.”
Additionally, recognizing the need for mobility in women officers’ roles, ICICI Prudential and India First contributed 15 Honda Activa scooters – one for each police station – enabling female beat constables to perform their duties efficiently.
“After six months of maternity leave, women officers return to work but still need to care for their children. The combination of children’s rooms and vehicles ensures they can balance professional and family responsibilities,” Ms Sharma added.
Official Inauguration and Recognition
The initiative was formally inaugurated through a digital ceremony by Mr. Amitabh Yash, ADG Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh, in the presence of:
- ADG Bareilly Zone, Mr. Ramit Sharma
- DIG Moradabad, Mr. Muniraj Gobu
- SP Sambhal, Mr. Krishna Kumar Bishnoi
- IPS Anukriti Sharma, Additional SP (South)
- Representatives from Tata AIG and Round Table India
The program included addresses by dignitaries highlighting the social significance of the initiative, a short film demonstrating its impact, and the symbolic ribbon-cutting by circle officers at each police station.
ADG Yash praised the Sambhal Police, saying, “This is an excellent example of coordination between industry and police. Such initiatives not only support women officers but also set a benchmark for police welfare across the country.”
Broader Impact and Social Significance
This initiative reflects sensitive and modern policing. It ensures that female officers are empowered, supported, and equipped to perform their duties without compromising family responsibilities. Sambhal’s program aligns with the UP Government’s Mission Shakti and sets an example for other districts to emulate.
The collaboration between Sambhal Police and corporate partners demonstrates how effective enforcement, social welfare, and women’s empowerment can coexist. The project has been completed swiftly – from proposal in June 2025 to inauguration – showing both efficiency and commitment to public service.
Ms Sharma reflected on the larger vision: “Sambhal has become the first district in UP where every police station has a maternity and child care room and a vehicle for women officers. Our goal is to make policing a family-friendly profession, and we hope this inspires other districts and states.”
A Model for the Future
Sambhal Police, under the leadership of IPS Anukriti Sharma, stands as a beacon of innovative and compassionate policing. From exposing high-level insurance fraud to establishing comprehensive support for women officers, the district showcases a holistic approach to law enforcement and social responsibility.
This initiative proves that good work, done with integrity and vision, resonates far beyond immediate results, creating positive change for communities, institutions, and individuals alike. Sambhal Police is not just enforcing the law – they are redefining it with empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
