Essay on Women and the Armed Forces for Class 10, 12, Mains Exam (UPSC, PSC, SSC)
Women and the Armed Forces Essay : Women had been present in the Indian Armed Forces since the time of its formation on 26 January 1950, but only as an aiding fragment in the form of the “Indian Military Nursing Service” formed in 1988. Women played a prominent role in both World War I and World War II. The functions and responsibilities expanded in their shape with the formation of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps, in which they served in communications and strategic components and accounting.
Discussion
The subject of incorporating women in the Indian Armed Forces in more contending roles has been a prolonged topic of Debate. After their induction into the Permanent Commissions, officers in the Legal and Education corps in 2008, women demanded that they should be given Permanent Commissions like their male counterparts.
The Supreme Court of India adjudged on 17 February 2020 that women serving in Short Service Commissions be granted Permanent Commissions like their male colleagues. The judgement was passed after 17 SSC service women filed a case of being denied Permanent status despite retaining service for 14 years.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of women obtaining Permanent Commission Status, Women are still deprived of combatant roles in special regiments such as the parachute regiment. They are eligible to join the signal corps, Army Service Corps, Corps of Army Defense, Corps of Military Police, Intelligence and Engineers’ corps and territorial army.
Women maintaining a Short Service Commission status were usually limited to a service period of 14 years. On the contrary, Permanent Service Commission (PSC) status holders could continue till they retired. After the completion of 10 years of SSC, the employees had only three options; a) Elect for a permanent commission, b) resign for service and c)opt for resignation.
The percentage of women serving in the branches of the Indian Armed forces is minimal; in comparison to their male counterparts. Women have representation of only 13.09% in the Air Force, 6% in the Navy and 3.80% in the Indian Army.
The opponents of women obtaining PSC status argued that
i) Indian society was predominantly patriarchal in its approach and thus not ready to allow women in active combat roles
ii) Most army servicemen belong to the rural regions of India and are orthodox in their mindsets. Thus, they might disagree and express contempt at following orders from female officers
iii) The conventional notion persists that men are born better soldiers than women due to their apparent aggressive demeanour and physical build.
Conclusion
To conclude, women in the armed forces had a considerable presence since the time of World War I and II. However, their representation in combatant roles was not allowed. Their role in assisting wings like the medical, communication and signalling troops have been predominant. The Supreme Court’s Judgement on 17th February 2020 has marked a paradigm shift in the representation of the Indian Armed Forces, allowing women to have minimal representation in the air force, navy and the national army.
Q1. What was the Supreme Court’s judgment on women’s status in the army?
Ans: The Supreme Court of India adjudged on 17 February 2020 that women serving in Short Service Commissions be granted Permanent Commissions like their male colleagues.
Q2. What were the options for women who had Short Service Commission status in the army?
Ans: After the completion of 10 years of SSC, the employees had only three options; a) Elect for a permanent commission, b) resign for service and c)opt for resignation.
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