At present, only the Army has decided to induct women as soldiers or jawans, and 800 of them will be recruited for the Corps of Military Police
Induction of women as sailors and deployment on warships in the deep seas may soon become a reality. The issue was discussed during the conference of senior officers of the Indian Navy held in the Capital, sources said.
Currently, women are employed only as officers in the Navy and have a limited role but with changes being discussed this could change.
Women officers are not deployed on warships till now but are part of combat performing duties as tactical operators in maritime patrol aircraft.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her address during the three-day Naval Commanders Conference, also pushed for greater women deployment in the force.
"The Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba has confirmed to the defence minister that women in sailor ranks were discussed in the conference and inclusion of women as seagoing cadres are also being looked at in the near future," said an official.
At present, women are deployed in different branches of the Navy but are not sent to sea. They, however, work as observers in Navy's IL-38 and P-8i reconnaissance aircraft.
The strength of women in the Navy is 639 currently, including 148 medical officers and two dental officers.
The Navy has so far deployed women officers in eight branches, including education, law and naval constructions, where women have been given permanent commission as non-sea going cadre. For the deployment of women in sea, future warships are being modified with ‘suitable facilities’ to accommodate women crew onboard.
NOW THEY SERVE ONLY AS OFFICERS
- At present, only the Army has decided to induct women as soldiers or jawans, and 800 of them will be recruited for the Corps of Military Police.
- Currently, women are serving as officers in the Army, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.
- The recruitment of women jawans in the Army will begin in a phased manner with the selection and training of 52 candidates every year.
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