Mumbai: Diwali relaxation sought for all women cops as those from Nashik get it

Women cops seen at Carter Road during an event in March this year. File pic

A Diwali bonus in the form of half-day leaves from November 2-7 given to the Nashik women police officers has prompted the wives of cops working in Mumbai to write an undersigned letter to Maharashtra DGP Sanjay Pandey and seek the same relaxation for women in uniform across the state.

Nashik Police Commissioner Deepak Shivanand Pandey declared half-day duty till 1.30 pm for a week for all the women cops in the force on November 1. The order states, "Diwali is a very important festival for Indians. It will be celebrated from November 1 to November 7. For this, we are allowing all women officers, constables and Mantralaya workers, who fall under category 4, to work till 1.30 pm from November 2 to November 7. It's a special gift for the women police personnel."

Mohini Santosh Jangam, a city constable's wife and Sanjeevani Desai, a police constable's wife

Speaking to mid-day, Amita Warang, wife of a police constable and president of Swarasangini Mahila Gruh Udyog, said, "We respect all officers who work during festivals. However, the Nashik CP recently passed a special order allowing half-day duty for all women officers during Diwali. Women have a lot of responsibility at home in terms of preparations for Diwali. We seek similar relaxations for the women cops across the state as well."

Former cop Sachin Jaiswal, who runs an NGO, said, "I've written a letter to DGP Pandey seeking similar relaxations for women officers across the state. Women are the backbone of a house and they should get some relaxation during Diwali."

Another police constable's wife Sanjeevani Desai said, "We understand that duty comes first but if the Nashik police are giving this relaxation to the women cops, then those from other parts of the state should also get it."

Sanika Vishwase, wife of a city constable, said, "During Diwali women prepare a lot of food at home. If they get some relaxation from work then the load will be much less."

Another city constable's wife Mohini Santosh Jangam said, "The Nashik women police personnel have already received their Diwali gift, so the city women cops should also get it. The women officers are doing a great job. If they get some relaxation during Diwali, then they can celebrate with their families."

Requesting anonymity, a woman constable from the city said, "We have no complaints with the department. Our duty always comes first and we are proud of it. We never ask for any relaxation but Diwali is a huge festival, hence some relaxation will make the celebrations better."

Speaking to mid-day, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Nashik City Police) Poornima Chougule Shringi said, "According to Section 78 of Maharashtra Police Act, the commissioner has the right to take a decision in his area. CP Pandey has allowed all Nashik women cops to work till 1.30 pm for a week. It will allow them to spend more time with their families and prepare for Diwali."