The army had told the defence ministry that the progression plans did not include combat duties. PHOTO COURTESY: HINDUSTAN TIMES
The ministry of defence and its chairperson including the chiefs of staff committee learned that no combat role is envisaged for lady officers according to the Indian Army.
“Restrictions on frontline combat deployment will continue,’’ a senior defence ministry official told Hindustan Times.
The army’s recommendation came before the parade toasted women power in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for promoting Nari Shakti.
Three services by the army, navy and the air force were represented by all-women marching contingents at this year’s Republic Day function.
The distinction of being the only female officer to command the tri-service guard of honour during Obama’s visit to India was earned by Wing Commander Pooja Thakur.
A reception was hosted by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh on January 27 in honour of lady offciers and lauded their efforts. “We are working on career progression plans for them; their contribution is immense,” he said.
The army had told the defence ministry that the progression plans did not include combat duties.
“The army is of the view that its women officers cannot be enrolled into its fighting arms like the infantry and the artillery just yet,” another defence ministry official said.
“Given the army’s involvement in counter-insurgency operations, it feels the terrain and working conditions are not conducive for women, either in the jungles of the northeast or in insurgency areas like Kashmir,” he added.
The additional director general said that “the matter is sub judice” when the army was contacted for elaborate comments.
Several lady officers have taken the army to court, challenging their work conditions and seeking greater benefits. They have asked for permanent commission like most of their male counterparts.
Several female officers have quit the force as they expressed disappointment at the army’s move.
“Nari Shakti is not just about us marching on the Rajpath; we are not dolls in uniform, don’t just pay lip service,’’ said one officer who did not wish to be named as her husband is with the army.
COMMENTS (16)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Kirat: Upper body strength != physical fitness. As a former marine, I totally agree with singh- women perform terribly in combat and are bad for unit cohesion. Military is for winning wars not making gender equality statements. You feminazis who never faced combat can have a seat.
@Kirat:
Lol! How cute!
The people who are writing that women are weak and have no upper body strength , think again people. Not every girl is like that. I have a 4th degree black belt in karate. And i am sure i can take u all if i wanted to
meanwhile in Pakistan http://www.vice.com/video/lady-cadets-of-pakistan
@Assamese libre: What does democracy has to do with combat assignment to women? Seems like Pakistanis have developed a habit of cussing Indian democracy whether they understand the context or democracy.
@sharabi: "Except Israel & North korea there is not a single country where women are allow in proper combat roles." Kurdish women are fighting ISIL. However, it is wise, as Singh says, not to allow women in combat roles just to make political statements.
@sharabi: Women are allowed into combat roles in the Canadian Forces. So Canada, Israel and North Korea.
Lol at the so called biggest democratic "Republic of India" -their democracy is as artificial as their state and "nationhood".
@Pity: Even the IAF has given women combative roles , here the discussion is about Indian Army , not AF.
There are a lot of things women can (and should) be, frontline combat isn't one of them. With half the upper body strength and 3/4 bone density of a male, most women are physically unfit. The ones that are fit are either psychologically unfit and/or not good for unit cohesion. I personally supervised an informal deployment demo for the army with a male:female of 1:3 in terms of numbers. Those men were handpicked from the bottom of performance bucket. The women failed miserably against them in all aspects of the training. When they had to survive off the jungle with shower, more than half women developed yeast infection on their own and had to be extracted. This happened after less than two weeks while they are supposed to go 42 days- imagine it happening during a war deep within enemy territory. Women can be deployed in combat support roles but not direct infantry roles. Military is not a place for making social statements or experiments. Sorry.
@Pity Be logical there are Tank commanders in India too but that for sure you will not see your pilot in real war. Pakistan have a lot of talented Male pilots then why a women is required? Answer is just ceremonial purpose etc.
As i commented few days ago when there was news about female in uniforms in Pakistan & here again, Women should not be allow to be in combat roles. Science proves it, Logic proves it. Except Israel & North korea there is not a single country where women are allow in proper combat roles. Their units are for ceremonial purpose. Good Decision.
It will make sense only when most of the armies in the world allow women.It's more of a question of physical capability rather than inequality of gender.If a female applicant is found to have same physical stamina and fighting capability than of an average male she should be allowed.However overall a career in military is a difficult one for a woman because of the sacrifices that will be required after marriage to continue as an army officer and could lead to a drain on her physical and emotional well being.One has to consider the well being of an individual and the expectations form the duty before arriving at any conclusion.They should however be encouraged to join Territorial Army which is a kind of reserve force to be used only during wars.
I support.
May be the Indian Army saw what happened to women in Bangladesh.
Pakistan has taken the lead and has given combat role to women in the PAF. Fl Lt Ayesha Farooq is a combat ready pilot.