Indian Army Empowers Women with Increasing Representation in Medical and Non-Medical Cadres
New Delhi, 31st July 2023: The Indian Army has taken significant strides in increasing the representation of women in both medical and non-medical cadres, according to recent data presented in Rajya Sabha by Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt.
As of 1st July 2023, the number of women in Indian Army medical cadres stands as follows:
- Army Medical Corps (AMC) – 1,212
- Army Dental Corps (ADC) – 168
- Military Nursing Service (MNS) – 3,841
Additionally, there are 1,733 women officers in the Indian Army, excluding those in AMC, ADC, and MNS, as of 1st January 2023.
The Indian Army has undertaken several initiatives to boost the participation of women within its ranks, aiming for greater gender diversity and inclusivity. Some of the major initiatives include:
- Allotment of 20 vacancies for Women Army cadets annually at the National Defence Academy in Pune, effective from July 2022.
- Provision of 90 vacancies for women in the Short Service Commission, including an increase of 10 additional vacancies since June 2023.
- Approval for the induction of women officers into various branches, including Artillery units and Remount and Veterinary Corps since March 2023.
- Commencement of entry for women officers as pilots in Army Aviation since June 2021.
- Enrolment of women as Other Ranks in the Corps of Military Police in the Indian Army, which began in 2019.
These progressive measures highlight the Indian Army’s commitment to promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities for women in the military.
The information was shared by Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt in response to a written query raised by Sandosh Kumar P during the Rajya Sabha session today.
