Defence : Permanent Commission to Women Officers

Permanent Commission to Women Officers

In the Armed Forces, women are recruited as Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) on all India merit basis within the overall authorized strength of the officers` cadre. State-wise data is, therefore, not maintained. Details of Women Officers commissioned in the Armed Forces including Armed Forces Medical Services during last three years are as under:

There is no proposal at present to induct women into combat duties in the defence forces including as fighter pilots in Indian Air Force. Induction of women in combat duties has not been recommended by the studies carried out by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in 2006 and High Level Tri-Services Committee in 2011. However, efforts are going on to increase the women officers in non-combat stream.

Presently, grant of Permanent Commission to women officers in the Armed Forces is governed by Government policy letter dated 11.11.2011. In so far as the order dated 12.3.2010 of the High Court of Delhi is concerned, a Special Leave Petition has been filed, in case of Army, before the Supreme Court Challenging the ibid High Court order and the matter is sub-judice. In case of Air Force, decision has been taken to implement the ibid order of Hon`ble High Court of Delhi. The ibid order of Delhi High Court did not contain any directions in respect of Navy. Women SSCOs, who are covered by the ibid order of High Court of Delhi and other Courts are re-instated.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri P.L. PuniaShri N. PeethambaraKurupin Lok Sabha today.

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