In the wake of alleged misbehaviour with a woman by a policeman in Delhi, the Centre has asked all states to take strict action against anyone in uniform who show discourtesy against women and to factor in their attitude towards females for their promotions.
In an advisory, the Home Ministry told all states that police must register an FIR upon receipt of information of the commission of a cognisable offence.
"Strict action should be taken against police personnel who exhibit discourtesy or bias against women or neglect their supervisory responsibilities.
"Attitude of police personnel towards women should be considered for their posting or promotions. Mention of gender sensitivity in the annual performance appraisal report should be included to ascertain the conduct of police personnel," the advisory issued by Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry Kumar Alok said.
The advisory was sent yesterday, a day after a head constable of Delhi Police hit a woman with a brick in Golf Links area in central Delhi after an altercation. The head constable was arrested and dismissed from service.
The Home Ministry advisory said that a gender sensitivity index should be developed and applied appropriately while taking decisions on posting of police officers in the field and specific observations about gender-related measures should be included in the inspection notes of police stations.
