Karnataka announces Reservation for Transgenders in Police

December 22, 2021

Karnataka Government has announced to give 1 per cent reservation to transgenders in Police.

Key Points

Reservation will be given to them across all the ranks in police department.
This move will help in changing the perception towards transgenders. It will bring them into mainstream and remove all the prejudices against them in society.
Karnataka police department is also recruiting both men and women by giving them equal opportunities.
There was reservation for women in police department, three-four decades back. But now the department aims to reach 25 per cent of women in the police force.

Karnataka State Police

Police in Karnataka were called by different names in different regions such as Thoti, Talwar, Kattubidi, Umbalidhar, Neeraganti etc. The foundation for current police set up was laid after the appointment of first Inspector General of Police in the state.

History of state police

Mysore State was the predecessor to Karnataka State, created on November 1, 1965. Sri. L. Rickets was appointed as first Inspector General of Police. Before that, the State Police had no status, structure and powers. During 1883, Talwars, Thotis, Kavalugararu, Neeragantis, Patela, Amaragararu, Ankamaale, Shyanubhogas etc. used to do policing. Police existed in different variants during the rule of Maharajas of Mysore.

Policing after establishment of Judicial System

Judicial system became functional in the state in 1856. With the establishment of Judicial System, Judicial Commissioners were appointed. Later in 1873, a Deputy Inspector General of Police was appointed to assist the Commissioner. In the same period, posts of first-class Inspector, second class Inspectors, Daphedhars (Head Constables), Jamadhars, Constables were also created.