In a historic move by the Security forces, for the first time, two woman officers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been promoted to the rank of Inspector General (IG) after they were inducted into the force which first began in 1987. There are currently more than 6,000 female constables working in six of these battalions.
The Bihar sector of the CRPF will be headed by Ms. Seema Dhundia, while Ms. Annie Abraham, recently promoted as IG, has been posted as the head of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) of the CRPF. The RAF got a woman officer as its head since its raising in 1992.
The CRPF has a history of empowering its women warriors, holding the distinction of raising the first-ever all-Women Battalion in the country in 1986. Incidentally, both Ms. Dhundia and Ms. Abraham were among the first batch of woman officers.
Both had illustrious careers which was marked with challenging roles, achievements, and laurels. Ms. Dhundia rendered her services to the nation in highly sensitive areas across the country and was actively involved in raising the second Women Battalion of the force.
She was also the contingent commander of the first ever all-women formed police units in the UN Mission in Liberia and had been serving as DIG in RAF.
Ms. Abraham, in addition to commanding the all-women FPU in UN Mission in Liberia. Annie Abraham served as DIG (Intelligence) in the force headquarters, DIG (Operations) in the Kashmir Operations Sector, and DIG the all-female constituted police units (FPU) in the UN Mission in Liberia (CR & Vigilance).
During their service, they received the “Ati Utkrisht Sewa Padak,” the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
The appointments attest to the efficiency and professionalism of lady officers of the force. Coincidentally, for the Republic Day Parade 2023, the MHA has assigned the responsibility to the CRPF for creating a tableau centered at women empowerment in all the CAPFs.
