New Delhi: Nowdays there are no domains of work that women haven't delved into. The Indian Armed Forces, which for long was considered a male dominated workplace, now has confident, bold women, moulding into every role and setting examples for everyone. The induction of women into the officer cadre in 1992 was an important landmark in the history of Indian Army. The onerous task of training them was undertaken by the Officers Training Academy. It comes as no surprise that women make their mark in the Armed Forces in the land of Razia Sultana and Rani of Jhansi. So far, more than 1200 Lady Cadets have already been commissioned into the various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. For a long time, the role of women in the armed forces was limited to the medical profession i.e. doctors and nurses. But in 1992 the scenario changed and the doors were thrown open for women as regular officers in engineering, law, aviation, logistics and executive cadres. It was a turning point in the history of time as thousands of spirited young women applied against advertisements. Initially, men had to face such adjustment problems whereas women were quite comfortable with their job profile. Most gentlemen officers could not treat their female counterparts at par with themselves as most of them were from conservative families where they saw women playing only traditional roles. There were embarrassing moments for both, as men spoke in hushed voices and behaved courteously, while women had to do with makeshift arrangements to suit their needs within units. Working together over the years and having come a long way now, the men in uniform have realized that these women in uniform are their efficient and able co-workers. The time is not far when we may use the term ‘sisters-in-arms' as equivalent to ‘brothers-in-arms'.Currently, women in the non-medical cadre, serve as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) officers. They can serve in the armed forces for a period ranging from 5-14 years, under this type of commission. On release they can pursue a career in the civil sector. SSC officers are released with gratuity and can avail some benefits as ex-serviceperson, but they do not get pension. Women in the medical branch i.e. doctors and nurses can serve as Permanent Commissioned (PC) officers and are eligible for pension after retirement and also have the option to serve as Short Service Commissioned officers. The Indian Army is far from welcoming to women. Forced early retirement is one of the biggest problems for women officers. With the exception of women recruited in the medical corps, they are forced to retire after 14 years in office. The Indian Army is making progress in recognizing the contribution of women in its ranks. On its 65th Independence Day, for the first time ever India honored a female soldier with a gallantry award for her role during the 2010 attack against the Indian embassy in Kabul. Recently, Shanti Tigga became the first woman to qualify as a combatant in the Indian army after doing exceptionally well in her physical tests. Lieutenant Ganeve Lalji, a young intelligence officer created the history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as a key aide to an Army Commander as part of Indian Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh's efforts to provide more avenues to women in the force.Chennai-girl Divya Ajith is first woman in the history of the Indian Army, to be selected for the 'Sword of Honour'.Mitali Madhumita in Feb 2011 became India's first female officer to receive the Sena Medal for gallantry.
