R(ay)nuka of hope for women army officials

The clamour for permanent commission to serving women officers in the Indian Army has just got shriller.

R(ay)nuka of hope for women army officials

The clamour for permanent commission to serving women officers in the Indian Army has just got shriller.
One of the most vocal proponents of the women cause and a former union minister for women welfare, Renuka Chowdhury, has joined issue with the serving women soldiers.

Chowdhury daughter of a former Indian Air Force officer had spoken in support of the army officials while she

was the union minister for women and child welfare.

The government is not doing any favour by granting permanent commission to these officers, she asserted. "It is their right after they have served for 14 years in the armed forces. It is a matter of six more years only. After serving for so many years they are not less trained than their male counterparts," she said.

"We met her sometime back. She has promised support for our cause. The present government has already said that women empowerment is one of its primary focus areas but even then we are being retired from our services," said a women officer, requesting anonymity. She is among the officers who have filed a petition in the Delhi High Court in this regard.

Sources also said that the women officers have sought an appointment with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. "I can't comment on this issue right now but most of the petitioners will be retiring in coming months. It's a desperate situation for us and we are seeking support from all quarters," said the officer.

Meanwhile, the Delhi high court has already asked the additional solicitor general to be present in the next hearing. In previous court hearings while negating any gender bias in the forces the government counsels maintained that the women officers were not trained to command higher posts.

"Their training period was shorter than their male counterparts and the ultimate discretion on their service remains with the employer i.e. the government only," said an MoD official wishing anonymity. But the serving officers countered the argument saying, they have already received two extensions to spend 14 years in the uniform. "If our services can be extended for 14 years it can be given another extension of six years to bring us under pension category," said one of the officers.

DISPARITY
Women are inducted in the Army as officers under the Short Service Commission (SSC) for a maximum period of 14 years but their male counterparts are eligible to receive permanent commission after five years.

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