The premier Indian paramilitary force, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), marked a historic milestone on September 26, as it celebrated four decades of women’s leadership, resilience, and operational excellence in combat roles in the force.
The event was significant as it commemorated the induction of the country’s first all-women combat battalion (the 88th Mahila Battalion) in 1986, which set a precedent for female combatants across the nation’s security forces.
The ceremony was presided over by the CRPF’s Director General, G. P. Singh (IPS:1991:AM), alongside Anamika Singh, President of the CRPF Family Welfare Association (CWA).
The event provided a special occasion to reflect on the transformational journey of women in frontline operations by bringing together the top leadership of the force, decorated veterans, serving personnel, and dignitaries.
DG felicitated women veterans and serving officers, recognising their operational courage, and supreme sacrifices in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
While addressing the gathering, DG Singh highlighted the evolving role of women in the force, saying 40 years ago, the CRPF broke barriers by establishing the nation’s first all-women combat unit. Today, our women personnel operate across complex terrains, counter-insurgency grids, and high-stakes law-and-order duties with distinction and grit.
He saluted the women warriors for their valorous achievements, enduring discipline, and selfless service on this occasion.
The DG did not miss to remember the welfare initiatives taken by the CRPF Family Welfare Association to support personnel deployed in challenging theatres across India and overseas on UN Peacekeeping missions.
Raised in 1986, the CRPF’s 88th Mahila Battalion was the first all-women armed police battalion not only in India but globally in paramilitary establishments.
The CRPF women personnel have been serving the force in challenging roles in counter-terror operations, riot control, VIP security, specialized anti-Naxal deployment, and UN Peacekeeping missions worldwide for the last 40 years.
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