Source: The post is based on the article “Leave benefits for women in armed forces made uniform” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Defence Minister has approved a proposal for extending the rules for maternity, child care and child adoption leave for women soldiers, sailors and air warriors in the Armed Forces on a par with their officer counterparts.
What are the initiatives taken to encourage women in Defence Forces?
1.Indian Army: Indian Army is encouraging women officers to join the force by initiatives such as:
– Granting Permanent Commission: Women Officers (WOs) in 12 Arms & Services are eligible for Permanent Commission. This ensures parity with male counterparts and fosters a gender-neutral environment.
– Entry in National Defence Academy (NDA): Women candidates now join the NDA every six months.
– Opportunities in Aviation: WOs can serve as pilots in the Corps of Army Aviation, expanding roles.
– Enrollment of Women as Other Ranks: Provision introduced in 2019 for enrolling women in the Corps of Military Police.
2.Indian Navy Measures for women personnel:
– Women in all Branches: Entry of women in all branches/ Cadres/ Specialisations (except Submarine specialization) has commenced from June 2023.
– On board Ships: Women officers are also being appointed on board warships.
— Indian Naval Academy Inclusions: Eligibility through the ’10+2 B.Tech.’ entry scheme.
— Women Agniveers: As a part of the Agnipath Scheme, women have been enrolled as Agniveers commencing from the first batch itself.
3.Indian Air Force Measures for women personnel:
– All Combat roles: The experimental scheme to induct women officers in all combat roles, was initiated by the IAF in 2015 and was regularized in the year 2022 into a permanent Scheme.
– ‘DISHA’ cell at Indian Air Force Headquarters: It conducts various Induction Publicity programmes across the country related to the induction/ career of officer cadre in IAF.
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