New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS): The Defence Ministry ensured women's empowerment in armed forces in 2021 with permanent commission of women officers in the army.

It all started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making an announcement during his Independence Day speech on August 15 that all Sainik Schools across India will now be open for girls.

Accordingly, all the Sainik Schools are now offering admissions to girls and more than 350 girls have been admitted so far.

Enhancing the women representation, the Border Roads Organisation appointed women officers to command important road construction companies (RCC) along the border areas. In April 2021, EE (Civil) Vaishali S. Hiwase, a GREF officer, took over the reins of 83 Road Construction Company and was employed on an important Indo-China road connecting Munisairi-Bughdiar-Milam.

The government has now allowed girls of the country to appear in the National Defence Academy examination. The necessary administrative training and policy changes have been made and the NDA June 2022 course will have the first batch of women cadets.

The first batch of women naval operation officers were inducted into the rotary wing and joined the helicopter squadron INAS 336 at INS Garuda, Kochi, on February 3, with Lt Kumudini Tyagi and Lt Riti Singh operating onboard warships as combat aircrew.

In 2021, 39 women army officers got Permanent Commission after winning a legal battle in the Supreme Court.

A Permanent Commission means a career in the army till retirement, while Short Service Commission is for 10 years, with the option of either leaving or opting for Permanent Commission at the end of 10 years. If an officer doesn't get Permanent Commission then, the officer can choose a four-year extension.