Devinder Singh Babla, Samajwadi Janata Party president, describes Bedi as "a good administrator" and expects her to raise police morale. "She should be able to control law and order and halt the rise of crime. Political parties must continue to champion causes and I am sure she will not try to interfere with the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest."

For Municipal Councillor RANJANA SHAHI, Bedi is "an inspiration for millions of girls and women". Shahi says she's "glad the city will have a star" and she looks for all-round improvement. "Considering there's been a spurt in crime in the city with policemen involved at times her arrival as IG is not a minute too soon. A Police Department that can't be pressured is what I want to see."

SAD local unit president GURPARTAP SINGH RIAR predicts that Bedi will fail since "women cannot be successful in police -- see, informers hesitate to tip off a woman police officer". He points out that the there is a lot of meddling in the department's functioning and concludes: "The city IGP has little power in any case. She won't have much role to play."

PU students SURINDER SINGH KANDA and ASHISH BHATTI, riding a scooter (and both helmet-less!), don't care who the UT IGP is. "We give a damn to traffic rules. We'll carry on like this," shrugs Ashish Bhatti, a B.Sc-II Geology student. "Crime should come down when she gets here. It's been on the rise over the past few years."

Congress president VENOD SHARMA won't say more than: "She has a proven track record and she's capable. That's why she has been chosen for the job."

BA-I student KUSH and DAV School's Plus One student ANKIT have but one fear: "She might terminate the geri-route ... you know, really come down on us kids. Some restraints, okay... but she shouldn't get carried away with this strictness thing, man."

GEETU SEHGAL, a housewife, is thrilled with Kiran's appointment: "I've heard a lot about her -- how she does excellent work. Now, we will get to see for ourselves."

The simple fact that Bedi is a woman is enough for MONICA CHAUHAN, of Government College for Girls, Sector 11. "She'll handle everything very well; you can count on a woman at the helm of affairs."