Govt Approves Proposal to Induct Women Officers in Artillery: A Step towards Gender Equality in the Indian Army
The Indian government has approved the Indian Army’s proposal to induct women officers in the artillery branch, a significant step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the armed forces. The decision was taken on March 20, and the Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, informed the Lok Sabha about it on March 31.
The move will open up combat roles for women in the army, as the artillery branch is considered a combat unit. It is part of the Indian Army’s efforts to increase the representation of women officers in the armed forces and provide equal opportunities to all genders.
The proposal was sent to the Ministry of Defence earlier this year and has now received the green light. This decision is a positive step towards achieving gender parity and inclusivity in the Indian Army.
Historical Context:
The Indian Army has traditionally been a male-dominated institution, with women serving only in support roles until recent years. In 1992, the Indian Army began inducting women officers in non-combat roles, such as medical, legal, and educational services. However, it was only in 2016 that women were allowed to serve in combat roles on a short-service commission (SSC) basis.
In February 2019, the Supreme Court of India ordered the government to grant permanent commissions to women officers in the army’s non-combat branches. The government appealed the decision, but in February 2020, the Supreme Court upheld its ruling and directed the government to grant permanent commissions to women officers in all branches of the army.
Key Takeaways from “Govt Approves Proposal to Induct Women Officers in Artillery”:
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | The Indian government has approved the Indian Army’s proposal to induct women officers in the artillery branch, a significant step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the armed forces. |
| 2. | The decision was taken on March 20, and the Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, informed the Lok Sabha about it on March 31. |
| 3. | The move will open up combat roles for women in the army, as the artillery branch is considered a combat unit. |
| 4. | It is part of the Indian Army’s efforts to increase the representation of women officers in the armed forces and provide equal opportunities to all genders. |
| 5. | This decision is a positive step towards achieving gender parity and inclusivity in the Indian Army. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q: What is the Indian Army’s proposal to induct women officers in the artillery branch?
A: The Indian Army’s proposal is to allow women officers to serve in the artillery branch, which is considered a combat unit.
Q: When was the decision to induct women officers in the artillery branch taken?
A: The decision was taken on March 20, 2023.
Q: What is the significance of the decision to induct women officers in the artillery branch?
A: This decision is a significant step towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Indian Army. It will also provide more opportunities for women officers to serve in combat roles.
Q: When were women first allowed to serve in combat roles in the Indian Army?
A: Women were first allowed to serve in combat roles on a short-service commission (SSC) basis in 2016.
Q: What was the Supreme Court’s ruling on granting permanent commissions to women officers in the Indian Army?
A: In February 2020, the Supreme Court of India directed the government to grant permanent commissions to women officers in all branches of the army, including combat branches.
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