In an attempt to build gender inclusivity, the Kerala government has amended the oath recited during the passing-out parades of the state’s police force. The updated version replaces the term “policeman” with the gender-neutral term “police personnel.”
On Friday, January 3, Additional Director General Manoj Abraham issued a circular from the Home Department regarding the change. The revised oath now states, “I swear to perform my duties and responsibilities as a police personnel,” replacing the previously male-centric wording, “as a policeman.”
A directive issued by the State Police Chief in 2011 prohibited the use of the term "woman" alongside rank titles, such as ‘woman police constable,’ ‘woman head constable,’ ‘woman sub-inspector,’ ‘woman circle inspector,’ and ‘woman deputy superintendent of police.’
As per Section 87 of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, every member who joins the Police Force under this Act shall, on satisfactory completion of training, take an oath (in the prescribed format) before the appointing authority or an officer nominated by him.
The police force is also mulling to use the word Havildar to refer to women serving in battalions without the gender-specific qualifier.
Here's a translation of the modified oath:
I solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India and the established Indian Constitution. As a member of the Kerala State Police Force, I pledge to serve the people honestly, impartially, and with sincerity, free from bias, personal preferences, enmity, or revenge. I will use my knowledge, skills, and competence to the best of my abilities to serve the public, while upholding the dignity and rights of individuals as enshrined in the Constitution. In my role as a police personnel, I will carry out my duties and responsibilities in a manner betraying the honour of the police, while ensuring that I protect the dignity of the force and fulfil my obligations to the best of my abilities. I take this oath with full dedication.