Historic! National Defence Academy To Open Its Doors To Women, Centre Says

Women in NDA: In a historic decision that will widen gender representation in the Indian Armed Forces, the centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that women can be admitted into the National Defence Academy (NDA) for permanent commission in all three sectors.

"The armed forces play an important role... but need to do more for gender equality in the forces. We want them to take a proactive approach themselves in ensuring gender equality rather than waiting for courts to intervene," the apex court said during the hearing of a petition regarding women taking exams for NDA and the Naval Academy.

The centre has said it will formulate due guidelines for women's admission into NDA; SC is expecting a reply by September 20.

This momentous decision comes after SC pulled up the government last month, pointing out the "mindset problem" that encourages "gender discrimination." In the same hearing, the court ordered for women to be allowed to sit for the NDA exam, which recruits for the army.

Admission Allowed For Women In NDA Days After SC Raps Centre

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appearing for the government told the court, "Women will be admitted in the NDA. We will place a detailed affidavit," as quoted by NDTV. She added the centre will put foward a "detailed affidavit" in this regard and that procedures are being worked out for the same.

Bhati requested SC to maintain status quo on the schedule for the NDA exam, which was postponed this year from September 5 to November 14.

In a landmark judgment last year in February, the top court directed the centre to grant permanent commission to women in the army, a decision women had been pushing for for 14 years. The Ministry of Defence issued a formal sanction letter for Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in all ten streams.

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