Women are increasingly seen taking board positions in the Corporate Sector today. The recent success of NYKA being the first Unicorn startup by women is inspiring women to touch the moon. With the Supreme Court allowing women to appear and qualify for the NDA examinations on 18th Aug 21 gender discrimination policies seem to be taking a backseat. Young Advocate Kush Kalra has been petitioning in various courts with success since 2018 through his PIL’s to end gender discrimination against women in the Defence Forces, Selection Exams and its other institutions (Schools). Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde in response to the petition notified the Defence Ministry and the Defence Academy as to why, they were persisting with this discriminatory policy debarring women candidates.
Facts and Figures
NDA (National Defence Academy –Khadakwasla, Pune) is the third top training academy globally, which until now was open to male candidates only.
The NDA exams are held twice a year where students appearing in 12th examinations can start applying as per age criteria. This year after Supreme Court’s order girls appeared for the exams first time on 14th November 21.
Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishkesh Roy on 18th Aug 21 passed the interim order for allowing women to appear for NDA Exams and get an equal opportunity to get selected and serve the nation as a officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
Till now male candidates were given rigorous training for 4 years to be combat ready in NDA and whereas women’s training in OTA (Officers Training Academy-Chennai) along with men for 49 week is considered a bit lenient. Now women can be combat ready and match their male counterparts by getting entry into NDA.
The five Sainik Schools in Chandrapur, Bijapur, Ghorakhal, Kalikiri, Kodagu have been ordered to admit young girls from class 6th for the Academic Session 2020-21.
The Army is not just another job; it requires supreme commitment towards the nation apart from being subjected to extreme Mental, Physical and Psychological hardships. Equal opportunity will add to the flair and charm, the Indian Defence Services are always known for.
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