Defence Ministry to approve Army, Navy guidelines for SSC women officers shortly

Trichy (Tamil Nadu) [India], Jan 20 (ANI): Days after the Central government cleared induction of women in the Army as jawans, more doors will be opened for the ladies as the Defence Ministry is all set to approve the proposal of Army and Navy for allowing permanent commission for women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in other branches as well.
"The guidelines for the lady Short Service Commission officers are likely to be approved in next 10 days," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in reply to an ANI query if efforts were afoot to open more avenues for women officers after allowing female jawans in the Army.
Defence Ministry sources said the Navy guidelines for the female short service commission officers have already been approved while discussions were on with the Army on the issue.
Senior Navy officers said that apart from the existing branches where women are allowed to get a permanent commission, the force will open up the musician and sports branch for lady officers for permanent commission.
The Army, senior officers of the force said, wants the Short Service Commission lady officers to be integrated into the force as cyber warriors, image interpreters and also for manning the space department of the forces where they can serve for longer durations.
The Army feels that the women officers in these departments can do a better job than men officers as they won't have to go for regular courses before they gain expertise.
The Defence Minister said the Prime Minister's directions of giving more opportunities to women officers will have to be implemented.
Three days ago, Defence Minister Sitharaman cleared the induction of women as jawans in the Corps of Military Police.
After this step, women's share would gradually increase to be 20 per cent of the workforce of the military police where they would be deployed for military duties. (ANI)