New Delhi, Sep 22: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is celebrating 40 years since the raising of India’s first all-women combatant battalion in 1986.
A special commemorative event will be held on September 25, 2026, where the CRPF Director General and the President of the CRPF Family Welfare Association will felicitate veteran and serving women personnel for their service and sacrifices.
The initiative marked a major step towards women’s participation and equal opportunities in India’s security forces. Over the past four decades, the role of women in the CRPF has expanded significantly.
Today, women personnel serve in exclusive women battalions, Rapid Action Force units and frontline operations, including the Bastariya Battalion deployed in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas.
CRPF women personnel have also earned recognition for their bravery. Constable Kamlesh Kumari, who was killed during the 2001 Parliament terror attack, remains the force’s only Ashok Chakra recipient. Other women personnel, including Constable Vimla Devi, Lance Naik Rajwan Devi and Constable Bindu Kumre, have also received gallantry awards for their service in challenging operations.
The CRPF said it remains committed to empowering women personnel and providing them opportunities to serve in every operational role.