HT Correspondent

letters@hindustantimes.com

Dehradun : A top commender of the army on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s order on giving permanent commission to women army officers but said it is not the right time to induct them in combat roles.

Lieutenant General RP Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-chief of Western Command, made the comment while interacting with media persons at Western Command’s Investiture Ceremony held at Cement Town cantonment in Dehradun.

“We welcome the SC ruling to give women officers permanent commission. We don’t have any issues or regrets on the same. However, as far as the combat role for them is concerned, I think the right time for it has not come yet,” he said.

Lieutenant General RP Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-chief of Western Command said, “It is an evolutionary process. Women officers are already into other wings related to combat if not direct. We hope in future they will get into more roles and contribute to Indian Army.” Congratulating the awardees, he asked them to “do their best and keep up the glory of Indian Army”.

On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that women could serve as army commanders, ordering the central government to extend permanent service to all women officers. Currently, women are inducted through a short service commission that lets them work for up to 14 years and only allowed permanent commission in the army’s legal and educational wings.

gallantry awards

Earlier during the event, the Western Command chief presented 41 awards, including 32 Sena Medals for gallantry, two Sena Medals for distinguished service and seven Vashisht Seva Medals to army officers and soldiers. Apart from this, 16 elite units of the Western Command were honoured for their professional excellence.