Tamil Nadu has India's largest women police force: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu has emerged as a national leader in integrating women into the policing framework, with 43% of the state’s law and order police stations currently led by women officers. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin at the 11th National Conference for Women in Police 2025, held in Chennai on Thursday.

Highlighting the state's progressive policies, Udhayanidhi noted that Tamil Nadu’s women police force is now one of the largest in India, with around 27,000 personnel. What began with the recruitment of just 22 women in 1973 under former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has grown into a powerful and visible presence across all wings of policing.

He pointed out that the state's early adoption of 30% reservation for women in government jobs in 1989 led to direct recruitment of women as Deputy Superintendents of Police, many of whom have now reached senior positions like Inspector General and ADGP. “This is the result of consistent efforts and structural support given to women in uniform,” he said.

Women officers in Tamil Nadu today serve in a wide range of specialized areas—including cybercrime, traffic, railway police, criminal investigation, intelligence, and even elite commando units. The state has also instituted the 'Kalaignar Annual Award and Trophy' to celebrate excellence among women officers.

Udhayanidhi also highlighted the Nava Ratna schemes launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin in 2023, aimed at improving the welfare and work-life balance of women police personnel. These include provision of hostels, rest rooms, and supportive infrastructure to ensure safety, dignity, and operational effectiveness for women in the force.