The government has introduced a policy for granting permanent commission to women officers in several technical and non-technical cadres in the armed forces. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Defence Minister A K Antony said that women will be eligible for permanent commission in specific branches of the three services such as Judge Advocate General and Army Education Corps and their corresponding branches in Navy and Air Force such as Naval Constructor and Accounts branch in Air Force.

The Minister said, in addition to the above, in Indian Air Force, women Short Service Commission Officers will be eligible for consideration of permanent commission in Technical, Administration, Logistics and Meteorology Branches.

Mr. Antony clarified that the grant of permanent commission will be subject to willingness of candidate and specific requirements by the services, availability of vacancies, suitability and merit of the candidates. He said, at present, a total of 2,279 women officers are serving in the three forces excluding the Army Medical Corps, Dental Corps and Military Nursing Services where women are allowed to join on permanent commission.