Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday batted for combat role for women in the armed forces, but said a policy decision will soon be made after studying the implications as it may have some ‘operational’ or ‘training difficulties.’
The Minister’s comments come a day after IAF chief Arup Raha said the Air Force has moved a proposal for inducting women as fighter aircraft pilots.
“The procedure is on. I am still not aware as to why an in-principle approval should not be given. There could be some hurdles, difficulties during the training. Keeping all this in mind, we will soon announce a policy. They have recommended women in combat role and there is no reason why we should not accept it. It can be thought upon on how and when they can be used,” Parrikar said.
“There are some operational difficulties. Barring that, why can’t women participate in the combat operations (of Indian Air Force). I also have some questions related to this and I am discussing with them. This takes time,” he said while interacting with reporters here after a parade to mark the 66th anniversary of Territorial Army.
The proposal to induct women into a fighting arm is a first in the three services which were earlier not open to the idea of women taking part in combat role. “If any decision is taken without understanding then the implication will be bad later. In principle, we are (for equality) for both the sexes, no gender discrimination, except when there are operational problems or training problems. We have to do that keeping that in mind.
There is no problem in including them (women) in combat training in the air force. But how to put them to use will be decided if there is a war,” the Minister added.