New Delhi, Dec 14 (Inditop.com) The government Monday said there is no proposal to induct women in combat roles in the Indian armed forces.
“At present there is no proposal to induct women in combat duties in the defence forces including that of fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
“A study, carried out by headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff in 2006 on all aspects of employment of women officers in the armed forces, recommended exclusion of women officers from close combat roles,” he said.
The minister, however, added: “This is not final. We are committed. We are sincere and I am sure in course of time they will be able to join combat duties. Gradually we are moving towards that.”
Currently women are in eight streams in the armed forces barring combat roles. The government had granted permanent commission to women last year.
In 2007, a total of 398 women were inducted in the armed forces, in 2008 the figure was 399 and in 2009, 432 women were commissioned.
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