There is still a long wait for women in Indian Navy aspiring to get in to combat roles. The Indian Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan on Wednesday ruled out combat role for women because of the present government rules. He, however, felt that women can be inducted as pilots for Navy’s fleet of maritime reconnaissance aircraft which is essentially used for patrolling.
The Navy currently has about 9,000 officers, including about 500 women who serve in various fields — from air traffic controllers to observers on board aircraft, training, legal and even overseeing various aspects relating to construction of ships. “It would be unfair to say we are lagging behind anybody,” said, Admiral Dhowan.
Dhowan said Indian Navy is looking in to how to increase the participation of women in other arenas of Navy. “We are looking and we have taken up the issue to the Ministry of Defence as a proposal which is still under consideration to see how women pilots can be allowed in our maritime reconnaissance aircraft. That is something which is under consideration. Government will have to take a view,” Dhowan said.
“As far as aspect related to combat are concerned, this is in consonance to the policy of the Government of India, the policy of MoD, as is applicable to three Services. As and when we look at the aspect of changes that come about, we will proceed step by step,” the Navy Chief added.
The Indian Air Force had last week announced plans to induct women as fighter pilots. Defence sources said that the idea of having women in combat role in the Navy would take some time as it demands changes in the interior layout of battle platforms like separate toilets and bathrooms, bunks and rooms for women.
Interestingly, during the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) Navies of several countries will have women officers onboard their ships. Navy chief said women officers from Indian Navy too will be seen in a major role at the event.