Defence ministry to decide on women's entry in forces: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said his ministry would take a final decision within two months on easing norms for women's recruitment in the defence forces.

Parrikar, who inaugurated the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls at Mohali near here, said his ministry has already taken a call to relax certain norms for the recruitment of women in the armed forces.

"A final decision is expected to be taken within next two months," he said.

Parrikar said the initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to start an exclusive institute for girls to train them for the armed forces was a unique one and would help in drawing more girls to opt for armed services as a career.

"At present, there are 3,298 women officers in the army and this number is likely to be enhanced manifold," Parrikar said, adding that the institute would not only train girls for the armed forces but also help in women empowerment.

The institute is named after Sikh woman warrior, Mai Bhago, who holds a special place in Sikh history for her valour.

Seeking the defence minister's personal intervention to enhance the posts of women officers cadre in the armed forces, Badal said that this should be done at the earliest.