The Hindu : Selection norms to be relaxed for women SIs?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Selection norms to be relaxed for women SIs?

By K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI FEB. 10. It appears that the next step in the selection of women police sub-inspectors for 2001-2002, which process has been postponed, will be taken only after the State Government decides on the "standards for physical endurance tests."

There is no "sinister motive" behind the postponement and the Government order is expected in the next few days, police sources say.

About 5,300 candidates had applied for the recruitment of 961 women police sub-inspectors, including the backlog vacancies. The preparatory steps were taken and the preliminary tests were scheduled to commence on January 27 at the Rajarathinam Stadium here. However, on January 24, it was announced that the tests had been postponed, causing anxiety among the applicants. All that the police press release said was that the postponement was being made for "administrative reasons."

Police sources say indications are that the decision to temporarily put on hold the selection was taken by the Government after it was considered that the physical endurance tests (PET) were rigid at present. As per the existing selection norms, a candidate has to complete 400 metres (running) in two minutes to qualify herself for the PET. As part of the PET, a long jump covering a minimum distance of 3.25 metres is compulsory for all. In the running event, the candidate has to choose 100 metres which has to be crossed in 16.5 seconds or 200 metres in 36 seconds. In the throw event, a candidate can select `shotput' for a minimum distance of 4.5 metres or a cricket ball for 17 metres. Incidentally, the same norms were applied for the selection of nearly 1,600 women police constables last year. One version is that candidates who came for constables' selection found the norms stiff.

The sources say one line of thinking is that because of the rigid standards, candidates who are not successful in one event, but have a brilliant academic record and intelligence, are not selected. Another school of thought is that some of the candidates can come out successful in the events easily when compared to others. Yet another opinion is that the existing norms should not be changed. If need be, additional training can be given to recruits, who do not come out with flying colours in PET, but or otherwise well qualified.

Unless the Government takes a decision, the selection process cannot be resumed.

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