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- India’s spirit of self-dependence in the military and its women’s power stood out during the Republic Day parade.
More about the news
- Self-dependence in the military:
- The Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns — which traditionally offered the symbolic 21-gun salute — were replaced by the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG).
- The Indian Army also showcased other Made-in-India equipment, including its main battle tank Arjun, the NAG missile system, the K-9 Vajra-T gun system, the AKASH air defence system, and the Brahmos missile.
- Women’s power:
- In a display of women’s empowerment, the marching contingents of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy were both led by women officers for the first time.
- The Central Reserve Police Force also presented an all-women marching contingent in the parade while the Delhi Police had an all-women pipe band comprising 35 women constables.
- The theme of nari shakti or female power carried beyond the armed forces contingents into the parade’s cultural tableaux as well.
- Agniveers:
- In another first, the Navy’s contingent also included three women and six men Agniveers.
- They are the participants in the new Agnipath scheme for short-term recruitment to the armed forces which has faced violent protests from army aspirants in some States.
- In another first, the Navy’s contingent also included three women and six men Agniveers.
Major defence-related events in the recent period include
- Defence equipments:
- The commissioning of the indigenously-designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant;
- The firing of an SLBM (submarine-launched ballistic missile) from the INS Arihant;
- The radical decision to award the manufacture of a military transport aircraft (C 295) to a major private sector entity;
- The induction of the made in India Prachand LCH (light combat helicopter); and
- The conclusion of a deal with Russia to manufacture a Kalashnikov-type light weapon/small arms in India.
- Defence export:
- Indias’s defence exports have grown eight times in the last five years.
- India is exporting defence materials and equipment to more than 75 countries of the world.
- In 2021-22, defence exports from India reached $1.59 billion (about Rs 13,000 crore).
Aatmanirbhar in defence production
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Women’s participation in the India’s armed forces
- Evolution:
- The armed forces, traditionally thought of as a male bastion, have in the past 30 years seen success in the induction of women, though the journey has not been smooth.
- The military opened its doors to women in 1992 when the Air Force inducted its first batch.
- Limited combat roles:
- In 2008, a permanent commission was extended to women in streams of Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps.
- In 2015, India also opened new combat air force roles for women as fighter pilots.
- Women have been allowed in combat in the Air Force, but we are yet to see women in combat roles in the army and navy.
- Even though women have been in the forces since 1992 all roles and career options are not offered to them.
- Women in NDA:
- After the Supreme Court paved the way for women to take the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam last year, the first batch of 19 cadets have joined the tri-services academy in Khadakwasla, Pune.
- Significance of inducting women in defence forces in India:
- Women officers will be given equal opportunity to contribute to the nation.
- The armed forces play an important role and need to promote gender equality in the forces.
- Providing women with a more challenging and fulfilling career.
- It would change the “regressive mindset” for not allowing women in the armed forces.
- It will challenge a strong stereotype that assumes that domestic obligations rest solely on women.
Women in Police Force in India
Women in Central Armed Police Forces:
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Source: TH
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