The Supreme Court (SC) has recently urged the Central Government to consider the inclusion of women in non-combat command posts within services such as the National Cadet Corps and Sainik Schools. In response, the government has outlined several concerns related to physiological limitations, societal norms, physical standards, and other logistical challenges.
Government’s Concerns on Granting Women Command Posts
The Central Government pointed out “physiological limitations” and changing battlefield scenarios as key arguments against allowing women officers to assume command posts in the Army. Additionally, the cultural mindset of troops, predominantly comprised of men from rural backgrounds with established societal norms, is also regarded as a deterrent.
One essential quality for officers is physical fitness, enabling them to take on combat tasks. Consequently, the inherent physiological differences between men and women that potentially result in varying physical performance levels are seen as hurdles. This view suggests that the physical capability of women officers in the Indian Army remains a challenge for leading units.
Further complications arise due to occasional prolonged absences of women officers because of factors like pregnancy, children’s education, and considerations related to their husband’s career prospects.
Issue of Permanent Commission for Women
Back in 2019, the government introduced a policy granting permanent commission to women officers serving on a Short Service Commission (SSC). However, this was only applicable prospectively. Women officers have argued that this prospective application of permanent commission seems arbitrary and discriminatory, insisting it should be implemented retrospectively instead.
In response, the Ministry of Defence has taken measures to enforce the provision of Permanent Commission for women officers in the Armed Forces.
In the Indian Air Force, all branches, including Fighter Pilots, are now accessible to female officers. The Indian Navy has opened all non-sea going Branches/Cadre/Specialisation for induction of women officers via the SSC. In the Indian Army, women officers now receive Permanent Commission in all ten branches where they join for SSC. This includes sectors like Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, and Judge Advocate General (JAG).
Entry Methods for Women in the Armed Forces
The inclusion of women into the officer cadre and their subsequent training was initiated by the Officers Training Academy in 1992.
The Short Service Commission provides an option for individuals to serve as a Commissioned Officer for 10 to 14 years. Following this period, they can choose either to opt for a Permanent Commission or exit. There is also an option to extend their service by another four years during which they can resign at any point.
A Permanent Commission, on the other hand, means a lifelong career in the Army until retirement. Entries for Permanent Commission are conducted through the National Defence Academy, Pune, the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and the Officers Training Academy, Gaya.
