A big statement has come out regarding the role of women in the Indian Army. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said that the Army is fully ready to include women in the Infantry, but this decision will also depend on the acceptance of the society. He clearly said that we have to come out of the idea of ​​considering women as ‘weak’ and the aim of the army is to be completely gender neutral.
What did the Army Chief say on the entry of women in Infantry?
During the media briefing, General Dwivedi said that if the standards and capabilities of male and female soldiers are equal, and the Indian society is ready to accept it, then women can be included in the combat role tomorrow itself. He said that the Army does not look at anyone differently and performance is the biggest criterion.
Common standards are necessary, but challenges too
The Army Chief said that it is important to have equal standards for men and women, but due to medical and operational reasons it is not easy to implement it. He said that based on the performance data of women, the path will be opened first in supporting arms, then in combat arms and later in special forces. He described this as a gradual and positive social change.
Current number of women in the army
General Dwivedi said that at present there are about 8,000 women officers in the Indian Army. There are currently 60 women cadets in NDA and 20 are being inducted every year. Every year around 120 women officers are passing out from the Officers Training Academy (Chennai and Gaya). Territorial Army has also been opened for women, in which 110 posts will be filled.
Scheme for Recruitment of Women in Other Ranks (ORs)
To include women in other ranks, there would be a need to change Section 12 of the Army Act. The Army aims to increase the recruitment of women in ORs by 12 times by 2032.
Army’s big plan for modern war
Learning from the current wars going on in the world, the Indian Army is now focusing on rapid modernization.
- A separate regiment is being formed for drones.
- Rocket and missile forces are being strengthened.
- Units equipped with loitering munitions and new technology are being raised.
Drones get new emphasis
General Dwivedi said that after Operation Sindoor, drone technology has got new strength.
- Every command can now make 5,000 drones as per requirement.
- In case of danger, this number can be increased from 20,000 to one lakh.
Bhairav ​​battalion and new units
He told that till now 13 Bhairav ​​battalions have been formed, which will fill the gap between Infantry and Special Forces. Apart from this, Divyastra battery has been made in the artillery, which will help the division commander with modern drone technology. The Army Chief said that today more than 90% of the ammunition used in the army is being made in the country itself, which is a big step towards self-reliant India.
