The Indian Army is considering a significant step towards gender inclusivity by exploring the recruitment of women at the soldier's level in services and combat support arms, expanding opportunities for women in the military through the Agnipath Scheme.
This proposal, now at an advanced stage, represents a notable progression in the Army's ongoing efforts to integrate women into various roles traditionally held by men. Notably, women will be inducted into arms and services where women officers are already serving, showcasing a logical expansion of roles for women.
The Agnipath Scheme has played a pivotal role in reshaping the Indian Army's approach to recruitment and gender diversity. Since June last year, all recruitment at the soldier's level has been carried out under this scheme.
The Indian Army, with a massive force of around 13 lakh personnel, categorizes its members into three wings such as combat arms, combat support arms, and services. The combat arms include infantry, armoured and mechanized infantry, while the combat support arms encompass artillery, engineers, air defence, army aviation, and military intelligence. The services branch includes the Army Service Corps (ASC), Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME), and Army Medical Corps (AMC).
Expanding the roles of women within these arms and services at the soldier's level is part of a broader effort to diversify and create a more inclusive military environment. Notably, earlier this year, the Indian Army opened its artillery wing for women officers, marking a significant milestone.
As of now, approximately 1700 women officers are serving in various arms and services of the Indian Army. This decision aligns with the ongoing global trend of women taking on more significant roles in the armed forces and breaks down gender barriers that have historically limited women's contributions in the military.
The move to induct women at the soldier's level reflects the Indian Army's commitment to providing women with more roles and responsibilities, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable environment in the military, and further enhancing its reputation for diversity and gender equality.
