If this decision comes on paper formally, women can prepare for career in armed forces immediately after 12th standard
The Center on September 8 told the Supreme Court the “good news” that it has decided to allow female penetration In the National Defense Academy (NDA), hitherto a male stronghold for recruitment into the armed forces.
If this decision comes formally on paper, women can prepare for a career in the armed forces immediately after 12th standard.
“There is good news. The forces and the government at the highest level have taken a decision yesterday evening to induct girls for permanent commission through the National Defense Academy,” said Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati led by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh. informed the Bench.
The bench asked the government to file an affidavit in this regard by September 22, the next date of hearing. It said that the Armed Forces is a respected institution, but there is much more to be done about it. gender equality. The court conceded that it was not a pleasure to pressurize the authorities to take continuous action to improve gender representation. The bench said that the authorities themselves need to take action.
The court commended Ms. Bhati for taking proactive steps in favor of women interested in pursuing a career in the armed forces.
Ms Bhati urged the court to maintain status quo regarding admission to NDA in the current academic year. The law officer said that the NDA exam, originally scheduled for September 5, was postponed to November.
“Consider providing status quo for this exam and continue with it, as it will require changes in policy, procedure, training and infrastructure,” submitted Ms Bhati.
On August 18, the court had issued an interim order allowing women candidates to take the NDA exam, which was then scheduled for September 5.
The court had then also questioned why “co-education is a problem” in the armed forces.
The court had orally stated that it was “absurd” that women were not allowed to appear in the NDA exam, even after the Supreme Court had directed in a judgment. permanent commission for women in the army.
On February 17, 2020, the Supreme Court had upheld the permanent commission for women officers.
The court had rejected the government’s contention that women were physically weaker than men as a “sex stereotype” and declared that Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers would be eligible for permanent commission and command posts in the Army. are eligible, irrespective of their years of service.
“Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the Army… Their track record of service to the nation is condemnable. Objecting to their abilities on the basis of gender is an insult not only to their dignity as women but also of the members of the Indian Army – men and women – who serve as equal citizens in a common mission. It is time to realize that women officers in the Army are not adjuncts to a male-dominated establishment whose presence should be ‘tolerated’ within a narrow circle,” Justice Chandrachud said in a 54-page judgment in the Army case. Said.
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