For police personnel, there is no running away from stress. But if we add to that the pressure and responsibilities that come with motherhood, day-to-day routine becomes even more demanding.
This was true for Archana Jain, a woman constable in the Uttar Pradesh police. However, on Sunday life took a positive turn for her, primarily due to the power of social media.
Posted at the Kotwali police station in Jhansi, Ms. Jain was transferred closer home to Agra after higher officials came to know of her situation. The two cities are separated by over 230 km.
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Ms. Jain caught the attention of her seniors after photos of her working at her desk with her six-month-old daughter sleeping on the table were widely shared on social media. As there was nobody else to take care of the child in Jhansi, where she lives in a rented apartment, the constable was forced to carry the infant to her workplace daily.
“This child is dependent on me. She is only six months old and requires breastfeeding,” said Ms. Jain, whose husband works in a private firm near Delhi.
She also has an elder daughter, who studies in standard four and lives with her grandparents in Agra.
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Taking cognisance of her case, U.P. Director General of Police O.P. Singh promptly ordered her transfer and even spoke to her. Mr. Singh said Ms. Archana’s situation had inspired the force to “explore creche options at every police line.”
“The quintessential 21st century woman, an ace at any responsibility she is trusted with!” the top cop tweeted about her.
DIG Jhansi Range Subhash Singh Baghel acknowledged Ms. Archana’s dedication to her duty and child, and announced a cash reward of ₹1,000.
“She has carried out her duties as a mother very well and at the same time not allowed it to affect her duties as a police personnel which she has been carrying out with similar dedication,” Mr. Baghel said.