Hyderabad, July 20 -- Without sounding a misogynist, one needs to put the facts straight. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may boast that the appointment of 35% female constables is a move in the direction of empowerment of women, yet the truth is that this move of his government has contributed immensely to the virtual collapse of the law and order situation in the state.

Their presence in the police force in such a large number has diluted the awe felt by many in the administration as the essential requirement of the law-enforcing agency. If hardened criminals, liquor, sand, land mafia, and extremists are cocking a snook at physically tough policemen, the police-women stand no match before them. The fact is that the female cops are ev...