The Indian Army has granted permanent commission to 147 extra women short service commission (SSC) officers, according to the revised parameters set by the Supreme Court in March this year. Supreme Court said that the Army’s examination criteria for granting permanent commission (PC) to women SSC officers were discriminatory.
“The women officers were re-considered as per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and fresh results have now been de-classified. Consequently, 147 more women officers are being granted PC, taking the total PC granted to 424 out of the 615 officers considered,” the ministry said in a statement.
The results of a few female officers were on hold due to administrative reasons while the top court awaits the decision of a clarification petition filed in the Supreme Court, it added.
In February 2020, the Supreme Court ordered the Centre to ensure that women SSC officers receive PC in the Army, including leadership assignments.
Women officers who were denied permanent commission in November 2020 filed a petition with the Supreme Court. In March of this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the Army’s “assessment standards constituted systemic discrimination” against these female commanders.
On Wednesday, the Defense Ministry said that all women officers, who have been granted PC, would undergo special training courses and challenging military assignments to empower them for higher leadership roles in the Army.
A batch of 33 women officers has already successfully completed the mid-level tactical orientation course from Army War College Mhow recently, it added.
The ministry said all women SSC officers, who were considered by the Army’s selection board and not granted PC, will still be eligible for pension subject to serving for a minimum of 20 years in service.