Ahead Of Indian Navy Day, 28 Women Officers Deployed On Warships

On the eve of Indian Navy Day 2021, the new Chief of Naval staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said that 28 women officers have been deployed on a dozen of warships. He also said that in the future, all inductions on indigenous aircrafts and otherwise will have women on board.

The Indian Navy has now started offering permanent commission to women. The Navy Chief on Friday press briefing said that the Indian Navy could eventually see women as commanding officers of critical warships in the coming decades.

Kumar said, "In consonance with the government of India’s objective to empower women, we have taken measures towards providing additional opportunities for women officers in the Navy."

He added, "Women officers have been appointed on board almost all major warships." The Naval Chief was addressing the annual media meet on the eve if Navy Day. He said that the force is prepared to have more women across the wide spectrum of responsibilities and roles.

The 28 women officers have been reportedly deployed on warships including INS Vikramaditya which is India's only aircraft carrier. The women have also been deployed on the Kolkata class stealth guided missiles destroyers and tankers, Shivalik class stealth frigates and the new Vishakapatnam class of destroyer which was commissioned last month. The indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned in August next year will also have women officers, as per a report by the Print.

According to reports, the Indian Navy's aim is to have at least two women officers on board warships. The Supreme Court of India in 2020 had upheld the 2015 verdict of the Delhi High Court and had granted permanent commission to women officers in the Indian Navy.

In permanent commission, officers can serve in the defence forces until their retirement. While in the Short Service Commission (SSC) officers can serve up to 10 years which can be extended to 4 more years. With permanent commission granted to women officers, they would now be able to become commanding officers as per their merit.

Representative feature image.

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