39 Women Army Officers Get Permanent Commission In Indian Army

Out of 71 women Short Service Commission officers who went to Supreme Court, 39 were found eligible for Permanent Commission as seven were found to be medically unfit.
Out of 71 women Short Service Commission officers who went to Supreme Court, 39 were found eligible for Permanent Commission as seven were found to be medically unfit.
The evaluation criteria adopted by Army constitutes systemic discrimination of women, observes Supreme Court.
“This shows how warped it is. Is the idea to exclude women or to give them equal opportunity?” asked Justice Chandrachud.
A permanent commission entitles an officer to serve in the Navy till he/she retires unlike SSC, which is currently for 10 years and can be extended by four more years, or a total of 14 years.
“Women, by the age of 50 years, undergo several biological and hormonal changes. It would be unfair to expect physical fitness levels equivalent to men in the 25-30 years age group,” said Justice Chandrachud.
The woman officers have said that the physical test lacked a scientific foundation and due to insufficient training, multiple women could be disqualified.
The decision comes as an attempt to bridge the gender gap that is prevalent in Indian armed forces. This would not only motivate the existing officers to keep working harder but will also be able to attract more women in the forces.
“It is an insult to women as well as the army when aspersions are cast on women, their ability and their achievements in the Army,” the Supreme Court noted.
A number of women officers demanded for command posting after getting permanent commission. Their plea, however, has been opposed citing greater family demands and the danger of them being taken prisoner of war.
The Indian Army has since long been dealing with the issue of offering permanent commission to women in the force. It is now officially planning to create a ‘special cadre’ system for women’s permanent commission, official sources said on May 7. They are considering assigning women in non-combatant roles. The Army is set to create […]