(This was originally posted in India Today by Aneesha Mathur)
In a historic moment for Indian women defence personnel, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the three services chiefs have agreed to give permanent commission to women and allow their entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA). Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the Supreme Court on Wednesday, “I have great news. The service chiefs and government have decided that girls will be given permanent commission through NDA and Naval academy. The decision was taken late last evening.”
Bhati further told the Supreme Court that the policy and procedure are being worked out to enable women to get permanent commission in the three defence forces. “A decision has been taken to allow PC for women and entry into NDA and Naval academy,” said Bhati. The Supreme Court said, “We have been judging this for a long time.” Justice SK Kaul said, “On gender equality, the armed forces have to do more. I’m happy that the heads of the armed forces have taken the decision. Compliment goes to you for persuading them.”
The Supreme Court further said, “If you had been instructed on the last hearing that this decision is being taken we would not have needed to interfere. You have to file an affidavit on what you are doing, what will be the steps in the future and what orders will be required from us.” The Supreme Court has sought a timeline of when women will be given permanent commission in India. On August 18, the Supreme Court ruled that women be allowed to face the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam for gaining commission as officers in defence services.
At present, women are recruited in the defence services as short service commission officers. On March 17, 2020, the Supreme Court ordered women officers to be given the same option of converting their short service commission to permanent commission—as given to male officers.
