First Time In 83 Years: K'taka Introduces 10% Women's Quota In Fire Services

Karnataka is preparing to welcome its first batch of women firefighters, as the government recently announced a 10% female quota in the State's Fire and Emergency Services Department. For a sector that has been around since 1942, this is a real turning point. The government has also proposed replacing the title “Fireman” with the gender neutral “Firefighter” in all official records and recruitment notifications. 

According to Bangalore Mirror, Karnataka has 234 fire stations with a workforce of over 3,000. However, women only occupy administrative roles such as accounts and clerical posts, not firefighting. The newly announced reservation system aims to change that.

The recruitment of women in fire services is not merely about representation, but about better response on the ground. During fire accidents and rescue operations, women victims are often carried out by male personnel. However, female firefighters could handle such situations with greater sensitivity.

A Push from the Centre

The move follows directions issued during a meeting of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which urged States to bring more women into fire services. Karnataka has begun amending its service rules accordingly, opening operational roles that were long seen as out of reach.

Officials say the recruitment framework and training details are being worked out. 

Why a Name Can Open Doors?

The Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department handles far more than fire calls. Its teams respond to floods, road accidents, building collapses, and animal rescues. The department has a sanctioned strength of 7,159 posts, with about 5,200 currently filled. As climate events grow more frequent, the workload keeps rising.

“Firefighter” may sound like a small tweak. It is not. Language sets the tone. When a job title carries the word “man,” it quietly signals who belongs. A neutral title widens that circle. It tells young women that this job is not off limits.

The change will apply across ranks. “Leading Fireman” will now be called “Leading Firefighter.” All future recruitment notifications will reflect this shift under the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Rules, 2013. The message is clear. Courage does not come with a gender tag.

Views expressed by the author are their own.