Background on the Scheme
The Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Home Affairs launched the Mahila Police Volunteers Scheme to engage the MPVs in the Union Territories and the State. It is a scheme that aims at helping women in distress through a public-policy interface. It is a central sector scheme that envisions the creation of a link between the police authorities and locally-based communities to enable better policy outreach on gender discrimination concerns.
The objectives behind setting up of the Scheme
- To enhance the representation of women in the police force by increasing the reservation for them to 33 % in the police departments by enforcing it in all the states and the Union Territories. This will increase women’s clarity in the force.
- To better report and respond to the criminal cases and also better fight crime against women.
- To encourage and promote a women-friendly environment both inside and outside the police and other government authorities.
- To put forth an efficient alternative way to get support and help for violence and discrimination against women.
- To focus on the reporting of violent incidents against women like domestic violence, harassment related to dowry, violence faced in public places, and child marriage.
Documents and Eligibility Criteria
- The women applicant must not be a member under any of the political parties or associated with it in any on-paper form.
- The minimum age for the women applicant is 21 years of age.
- The applicant must be from the very same geographical area and be known and comfortable in conversing in the local language.
- The applicant must have written proof in the form of class 12th pass certification that proves their qualification.
- The women applicant must have not been convicted/ imprisoned for the violation under any criminal law.
The documents required are passport size photographs, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, Voter ID, utility bill, educational qualification certificates, bank account details, any other reservation documents that are relevant to each specific case.
Steps included in the application procedure for the Mahila Police Volunteers
- A notice addressed to the local thana, police chowki, DM office, accredited Social Health Activist, Block Development Officer, Municipal Office.
- Application forms from the eligible candidates would have to be invited by giving the time of at least a month.
- The relevant process would be carried out by the Superintendent of Police and would determine the selection and rejection of applicants.
- A screening committee will short-list the eligible applicants.
- An interview will be carried out and the Appointment orders will be issued to the applicants.
The initial term period of an MPV is a maximum of two years and is reviewed every 6 months. Any sudden reason is also valid for the immediate termination of the officer. This can only be carried out by the Superintendent of Police. A lump-sum value of Rs.1000 /- per month will be credited to the MPV to cover pocket expenses that relate to mobile phones and transportation. For reward and recognition of MPVs a cash reward of Rs.10000, Rs. 5000, and Rs. 3000 respectively will be granted to the 3 outstanding performers which are chosen from all the MPVs in the district in order of merit.