New Delhi: The Indian Army has given the permanent commission to 147 additional women officers. The Supreme Court drew criticism last year for denying women despite a landmark judgment – when the court directed the Center to ensure that women SSC officers are granted permanent commission in the Army.
The Supreme Court had on March 25 held that the Army’s evaluation criteria for granting PCs to women Short Service Commissioned officers systematically discriminated against them. The court had directed reconsideration of certain cases of women officers who were not given PC by stipulating the revised criteria.
The Army said, “As per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the women officers have been reconsidered and the new results have now been de-classified.” PC is given. Out of 615 women officers, 424 were considered.
The results of some women officers filed by the Union of India in the Supreme Court have been withheld due to administrative reasons and are awaiting the outcome of the clarification petition.
The Army said a special number 5 selection board to screen women officers for PC was set up after the Supreme Court’s decision in September last year and the results were declared in November.
Women officers granted permanent commission will undergo specialized training courses and challenging military assignments to empower them for higher leadership roles in the Indian Army.
(With agency input)