The Ministry of Defense in India is considering proposals to give permanent commissions to women officers in non-combat roles. The Indo-Asian News Service reports that in the armed forces in India, women are only eligible for permanent commissions in the medical, nursing, and dental services. Women are allowed to serve 14 years in uniform, but, because they do not have permanent commissions, do not receive pensions after their service.
Defense Minister A. K. Antony told the Times of India, “It’s a commitment we all must honor and endeavor to achieve this objective on priority…It’s high time women officers were given their due.”
Currently only 2.5 to 7 percent of officers in the branches of the Indian armed forces are women.
