The police force in the state has a very poor representation of women and the decision on the reservation is a historic one, state Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters here.
Similar reservation would be done in the state police, including in Maoist-hit Junglemahal, after receiving a proposal by the state government from the force in this regard, he said.
Following the decision, the 26,000 strong city police would now have greater number of women personnel in rank and file, a city police source said.
The state cabinet also cleared the decision to trifurcate Bally and Jagachha police stations under Howrah Police Commissionerate.
This will help improve the law and order situation in the areas under these stations, Chatterjee added.