New Delhi: The India Army may have displayed ‘Nari Shakti' (women power) on the occasion of Republic Day, but it is still not ready to give these brave lady officers combat roles.
If reports are to be believed, the Army has conveyed to the Ministry of Defence and the chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, that no combat role should be imagined for lady officers.
“Restrictions on frontline combat deployment will continue,” a senior Defence Ministry official was quoted as saying in a Hindustan Times report.
The Army is of the view that its women officers cannot be enrolled into its fighting arms like the infantry and the artillery just yet, another official said.
During Republic Day parade on Rajpath, India, in the presence of US President Barack Obama had showcased women power. In a first, three services -- the Army, Navy and Air Force -- were represented by all-women marching contingents.
A day earlier, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur had led the ceremonial Guard of Honour for the visiting dignitary Barack Obama at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Not only this, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh had on January 27 hosted a reception in honour of lady officers.
When contacted, the Army refused to elaborate with Maj Gen Shokin Chauhan, additional director general, public information, saying, “The matter is sub judice.”
