Thiruvananthapuram, August 17
The Kerala Police have introduced a maternity-friendly uniform option for pregnant personnel, addressing long-standing practical difficulties faced by women officers while performing official duties during pregnancy.
According to a departmental circular, pregnant police personnel may wear a khaki salwar kameez with a matching shawl and sandals instead of the standard police uniform. The alternative attire is optional, allowing personnel who are comfortable in the regular uniform to continue wearing it.
The decision was taken after the department examined existing uniform regulations and reviewed similar policies followed by police forces in other states. Officials found that Kerala’s rules and government orders did not contain specific provisions governing uniforms for police personnel during pregnancy or the post-natal period.
As a result, pregnant officers had been required to follow the general uniform regulations despite the physical changes and practical difficulties associated with pregnancy. The latest circular formally addresses this gap by prescribing a clearly defined and professional alternative.
The department said the relaxation was intended to enable pregnant personnel to discharge their responsibilities with greater comfort and dignity while maintaining the professional identity and discipline of the police force.
The measure was introduced in keeping with the constitutional principles enshrined in Articles 15(3) and 21. Article 15(3) permits the State to make special provisions for women and children, while Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to live with dignity.
However, the revised uniform arrangement will not apply to women officers belonging to the Indian Police Service. Existing uniform rules will continue to govern women IPS officers, the circular clarified.
The directive marks a significant workplace accommodation within the State police force. It seeks to balance operational discipline with the health, comfort and dignity of pregnant personnel, while ensuring they can continue performing their duties without avoidable physical inconvenience.
