Indian Air Force plans to recruit women fighter pilots
Recently the Defense Ministry will make the scheme of recruitment of women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force a permanent scheme.
The Defense Ministry has decided to convert the pilot scheme to recruit women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force into a permanent scheme.
A total of 16 women have been appointed as fighter pilots following a pilot scheme of their recruitment.
In the year 2021, the Supreme Court had ordered allowing women to appear in the entrance examination of the National Defense Academy (NDA). Through this exam they will be able to get commission as officers in defense services.
Subsequently, the Center had informed that the three service chiefs have agreed for permanent commission of women and their entry into the NDA.
At present, 0.56% in the Army, 1.08% in the Air Force and 6.5% in the Navy, are women.
Reasons responsible for the low number of women in the armed forces:
- There is fewer acceptances among male soldiers about the leadership role of women.
- Fear of sexual harassment.
- Physical limitations
- Lack of infrastructure like separate toilets etc.
In the Babita Punia case, the Supreme Court had ruled that women should be given Permanent Commission (PC) and promotion at par with their male counterparts.
Apart from this, recently it has been decided that Sainik Schools will be opened for girl students also.
Source – The Hindu
