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New Delhi: Indian Army top brass have recommended opening up more avenues of employment for women in the force.
The army commanders agreed that the lady officers will be given permanent commission in more branches including the judge advocate general (JAG) and education.
"The issue [about the permanent commission to women] was discussed thoroughly at the ongoing commanders conference and they decided concurrently that permanent commission for women should be extended to more branches," an army official said.
Women are currently eligible for permanent commission only in the medical, nursing and dental services of the armed forces. They are also eligible for short service commission in these services as also in the support non-combatant arms of the armed forces.
Currently, 5,137 women officers serve in the armed forces - 4,101 in the army, 784 in the air force and 252 in the navy.
The recommendation will go to the Chief of Staff Committee which, after discussions with the Indian Air Force and Navy, will send the proposal to the defence ministry.
The decision of the army commanders follows an assurance given by Defence Minister A.K. Antony to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament, that "the ministry will look into the aspect of granting permanent commissions to women in the non-combatant stream to begin with".
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