Threat of women as PoW reason for their non-combat role: Army

New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) The threat of women officers being
taken Prisoner of War is one of the reasons why they have not
be given any combat roles in the Army, Chief of Army Staff
General Deepak Kapoor has said.

"Certain issues that we may have to consider include the
fact that they can become a prisoner of war which is an
undeniable hazard of combat," he said in an interview to the
first edition of 'Defence Yearbook 2009-2010' brought out by
Manas Publications.

Kapoor said that living conditions can be harsh without
basic amenities, which is another reason why they have not
been assigned any combat roles.

"Notwithstanding the above, the Government did meet the
aspirations of the women officers (WOs) seeking Permanent
Commission in the Army, albeit in a defined area," Kapoor
said.

"There has been progressive expansion in the profile of
women in the Army...Government orders have been issued in 2008
offering permanent commission prospectively to WOs to be
commissioned in Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army
Education Corps (AEC) of Army. No further role is presently
envisaged for WOs," the Army chief said.

He has said in the interview that women officers have
performed well in their duties and have come up to the
satisfaction of the Commanders at all levels. (More) PTI AKV
SDE


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