From correspondents in Kerala, India, 03:30 PM IST

There is good news for women in Kerala. They can now apply to become police sub-inspectors.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Saturday announced that as the first step towards revamping the Kerala Police Act, women can now apply directly to be a sub inspector.

'Kerala is a state where there are more women than men and the leadership qualities of women have been proved beyond doubt. Hence, we decided that women also can apply,' Balakrishnan told reporters here.

He said that male candidates may not like this idea, 'but we will give equal opportunities to women'.

'There will be no reservation for women for this post and they will have to compete with the men. The only exemption would be that they need not compete with men in physical tests,' he said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)