indian-navy-appoints-women-personnel-on-warships-expands-roles-across-armed-forces

The Indian Navy is appointing women personnel on warships and as Special Naval Air Operation (NAO) officers, according to the Ministry of Defence's statement in the Lok Sabha. 

 

Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, on Friday revealed that women officers are now being granted permanent commissions in various roles across the Army, including the medical and dental corps and the military nursing service.

 

The experimental initiative launched by the Indian Air Force in 2015 to include women officers in all combat roles was formally regularised into a permanent program in 2022. 

 

Minister Bhatt emphasised the commitment to expanding the scope for women in the armed forces.

 

Specifically addressing the Navy, Bhatt stated that women officers are being appointed to float on warships, with roles such as Special Naval Air Operation officers, without providing further details. 

 

The move marks a significant step towards gender inclusivity within the traditionally male-dominated domain of defence.

 

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted key measures taken to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities. 

 

The introduction of a 'green channel policy' for the procurement of military stores and spares has been initiated, streamlining the process for firms meeting predefined financial and quality credentials.

 

Under the green channel policy, eligible firms benefit from a waiver of pre-dispatch inspection, enabling a smoother acceptance of stores under the supplier's guarantee or warranty against contracts concluded by various procurement agencies under the Ministry of Defence.

 

The government has also established two defence industrial corridors, located in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, designed to attract investments in defence industries and bolster domestic supply chains. 

 

Additionally, the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has implemented a new transfer of technology (ToT) policy, allowing for the transfer of developed technologies to industries with zero ToT fees, fostering collaboration and innovation.