Next could be an all-women battalion

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, July 4

Days after first women pilots were inducted for a combat role in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Minister Manohar Parikar today said the government was looking for a greater role for women in combat, thereby, once again opening up the debate on the “pros and cons” of allowing women at the frontline.

Parrikar mooted the idea of raising an all-women battalion and stationing women on warships. He said the “psychological barrier” had been broken with the induction of female fighter pilots. Three women were inducted into the fighter pilot stream of the IAF on June 18.

The Defence Minister was speaking at a function organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Ladies Organisation on changing roles and opportunities of women in the defence sector. “Why can’t we have an all-women battalion if there is resistance among male soldiers over being led by female commanders,” he said.

The only restriction today is infrastructure, Parrikar said, adding that induction of women through the National Defence Academy (NDA) and allowing girl students in Sainik schools can also be considered.

Within the Army, the only question is a situation when a woman soldier is captured by the enemy. It could lead to furore on the political front.

If the Army and the Navy are opened up for combat roles for women, India will join the US, Israel and Norway to have such a system.

Parrikar said sometime in future he would sit with the chiefs of the three forces. “I don’t understand why we can’t place women on warships. At this stage, I will not support a submarine operation because submarines are designed for unigender or one area for staff. There are no separate areas for women. But warships can be modified and new ships can be designed to have facilities for women,” he said, adding that there was also a question of taking women officers through NDA.

He said there were demands from across the country for Sainik schools to have girl students. “This cannot be done in disjoined manner otherwise girls will get into Sainik schools but will not get entry, all these aspects are being looked into,” he said.

Speaking about the opportunities for women in the defence sector, Parrikar said low-end clothing line such as uniform for NCC cadets could be one area where women entrepreneurs can look for possible business prospects. He urged FICCI ladies organisation to come forward with a list of business propositions where they can partner with the defence sector and promote women entrepreneurs.

In her welcome address, Vinita Bimbhet, president of FICCI Ladies Organisation, emphasised the crucial aspects of entrepreneurial role of women in the defence sector, which needed to be boosted to achieve the goal of inclusive growth.