Patna, Apr 12 (IANS): Bihar Police Friday formally decided to reserve 35 percent posts for women and to set up women's desk at all police sations.

"It was decided that 35 percent of the 47,000 vacant posts in the rank of constables and sub-inspectors will be reserved for women," an official said.

Bihar police chief Abhayanand said the recruitment process will start after the cabinet approves the proposal.

"The recruitment of women will take place in two phases," he said.

He added that the 35 percent reservation would be in addition to the existing three percent for women from extremely backward class.

Inspector General Arvind Pandey said he had asked all superintendents of police, including those of the Government Railway Police, to set up women's desk in each police station within a fortnight.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced the 35 percent reservation for women in police last month.

Also in March, the Bihar government announced reservation of 50 percent of all seats for women in cooperative societies.