Placeholder canvas
 
Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

8 months

India Becomes One of the First Few Countries to Open All Combat Roles to Women in the Armed Forces

The Indian Army does not allow women to serve on submarines, tank units, and in combat.

India Becomes One of the First Few Countries to Open All Combat Roles to Women in the Armed Forces

In amazing news for the women serving in our armed forces, the Government has decided to induct women in all military combat roles in the future.

In his address during the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, President Pranab Mukherjee made this progressive announcement.

According to The Times of India, the President said, “In our country, shakti is the manifestation of female energy. This shakti defines our strength. My government has approved the induction of women as short service commission officers and as fighter pilots in the IAF. In the future, my government will induct women in all fighter streams of our armed forces.”

This decision signals a radical change in the army, which, up until now, did not allow women to serve on submarines, tank units, and in combat. According to reports, many countries do not allow women in infantry and armoured units.

The government will review this decision in five years.

army women India

Photo source: defencelover.in

The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, made this announcement only a couple of months after the Indian Air Force decided to allow women to fly warplanes from June 2017.

“We have already expressed our commitment towards bringing in women into the combat streams of IAF and it is going to happen very soon. From providing proper toilet facilities to moderating male chauvinism, IAF has come a long way and we are ready now,” said air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak (retired) to Mint.

The gender bias in the armed forces has been a topic of discussion time and again. Women were inducted into the armed forces only in 1992. For the longest time, they were being recruited as Short Service Commission officers. Over the years, a number of women officers have gone to court asking for better pay and permanent roles.

Hopefully, the government’s decision to allow women to serve in combat will be a step in the right direction.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More


We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image
Shorts

Shorts

See All
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement