Thiruvananthapuram, 17 August (HS ):The Kerala Police have relaxed uniform requirements for pregnant personnel, allowing them to wear maternity-friendly attire while on duty in a move aimed at easing the practical difficulties they face during pregnancy.
Under a circular issued by the department, pregnant police personnel may wear a khaki salwar kameez with a matching shawl and sandals instead of the regular prescribed uniform. The relaxation is optional, and officers who are comfortable wearing the standard uniform may continue to do so.
The decision followed a departmental examination of existing uniform regulations and a review of policies adopted by police forces in other states. Officials concluded that a specific alternative was necessary to ensure that pregnant personnel could carry out their responsibilities with greater comfort and dignity without compromising the professional identity associated with police service.
The circular states that the concession has been introduced in accordance with the constitutional principles reflected in Articles 15(3) and 21 of the Constitution. Article 15(3) enables the State to make special provisions for women and children, while Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty, including dignity.
The revised arrangement, however, will not apply to women officers of the Indian Police Service. Existing uniform regulations will continue to govern women IPS officers, according to the circular.
Until now, Kerala's police rules and government orders contained no specific provision addressing the uniform needs of women personnel during pregnancy or in the post-natal period. This absence often left pregnant officers dependent on general uniform norms despite the physical changes and practical constraints associated with pregnancy.
The new directive formally fills that gap by providing a clearly defined alternative for eligible personnel. The department said the measure seeks to balance operational discipline with workplace accommodation and the health, comfort and dignity of pregnant police personnel across Kerala.
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman