Here Is A Women’s Day Special Gift For India By The Indian Government!

Here’s a Defense Ministry’s surgical strike on inequality!

 
Image Credit: Tarun Khiwal

Today, all over the world, human dignity is freeing itself from the shackles of stereotypes and prejudice like never before. In this era of equality and feminism, the human dignity can no more be compromised on the grounds of sex. People in general and women, especially, are becoming more and more aware of their right to be treated with dignity and respect. Lately, Indian Government has done everything possible to recognize that right. The latest news is that Women will now be eligible for permanent careers in all 10 branches of the army where they had been inducted as short-service commissioned (SSC) officers till now. Symbolically speaking, this news is of great prominence.

The 10 branches include- Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defense, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence.

Image Credit: defenceaviationpost.com

Under short-service commission (SSC), women officers were allowed tenures ranging from 5-14 years of services only. After today’s announcement by the Defense Ministry, the Permanent commission will allow them to serve till the age of retirement.

“SSC women officers will give their option for PC before completion of four years of commissioned service and they will exercise option for grant of PC and their choice of specialization,” said the Ministry of Defense’s statement.

In a layman’s language, Women will now, FINALLY, be able to pursue permanent careers in all branches of Indian Army. This is a very important step towards establishing workspace equality for women.

Earlier, the government had approved the same for the Air Force as well, where all branches including fighter pilots are open for women officers. (In the picture: Bhawana Kanth – first of the women combat pilots along with Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi)

Image Credit: Tarun Khiwal

In 1992, for the first time, women were allowed entry into different branches of the Indian Armed forces. While it was a rough start with rampant criticism, today, the women officers in the Indian armed Forces have a strong and huge support base in the Indian Public.

The Military employment should focus on picking the best of men AND women. No one should be devoid of a choice to serve their own country, especially not on the grounds of sex. All we ask for is basic human dignity and the right to choose, FOR EVERYONE.

Even in the Indian Navy, all non-sea going branches/cadre/specialization have been opened for induction of women officers through Short Service Commission. (In the Picture- PM Narendra Modi shakes hands with Lieutenant B Aishwarya)

Image Credit: asianage.com

As of today, the doors to all the three forces of ‘Indian Defense’ are open for women like never before.

The Prime Minister of India, Shree Narendra Modi in his speech on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day had said, “I want to give a good news to our brave daughters. Women officers who have been appointed through the short service commission in the armed forces will get permanent commission through a transparent process. It is a gift for them.”

The Prime Minister seems to have kept his Independence Day promise and taken the required action.

We hope that the government keeps taking such steps that uphold equality in our society.