Topic: Role of women and women’s organization
3. Selection of women officers for command postings in the rank of Colonel, which has so far been the domain of male officers is the logical next step after the Army granted Permanent Commission to women officers on a par with their male counterparts. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
According to sources, women officers Special No. 3 Selection Board is being conducted for promotion from the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel to Colonel from January 9 to 22. This flows from the Supreme Court judgment in 2021 upholding an earlier judgement granting permanent commission as well as command postings to women officers in all arms and services other than combat.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the attempts at achieving gender parity in Indian armed forces and suggest further steps that are needed.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of recent decision aimed attempt at introducing gender parity in the armed forces.
Body:
Mention that the position of women in the armed forces, offers a limited window for any kind of change in the role of women in occupational and bureaucratic structures. However, there are changes being witnessed but at a slow pace.
Next, write about as to how the attempts at reform have been through litigation and by the orders of the SC. Mention the Babita Puniya case and the observations of the court in that regard.
Write about the reluctance of policy makers in this situation and their preference to maintain the status quo and their reasons, thereof.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced way forward.
