Kozhikode: In a revolutionary step towards gender equality within the police force, the Kerala Police has amended the oath taken during its passing-out parade. The change eliminates the gender-specific term ‘policeman’, ensuring that both male and female recruits are now equally represented in the oath. This progressive move marks a significant stride in ending long-standing gender discrimination within the force, with a commitment to ensuring that all personnel, regardless of gender, are acknowledged equally.

On January 3, Additional Director General Manoj Abraham issued a circular on behalf of the Home Department regarding the change. Instead of saying, "I swear to perform my duties and responsibilities as a policeman," the new wording now reads, "I swear to perform my duties and responsibilities as a police personnel." This change came after the opinion that the gender-specific oath, which was based on male leadership, needed to be abolished.

Previously, there was a ban on the use of the term "woman" along with the rank, such as ‘woman police constable’, ‘woman head constable’, ‘woman sub-inspector’, woman circle inspector’, and ‘woman deputy superintendent of police’, as per a 2011 directive from the State Police Chief.

As part of the gender equality measures, there was also a suggestion earlier that women in battalions should be referred to as ‘Havildar’. During the ‘Women-Friendly Year’ in 2020, the then DGP also issued strict instructions to eliminate gender-specific terms that referred to women in the police force.