The Indian Army has welcomed the Supreme Court order on a permanent commission for women, but the timing is not right to include them in combat roles, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, Lt Gen RP Singh said on Tuesday.
The apex court ruled on Monday that women should be considered for command roles and all women officers are entitled to a permanent commission. It asked the army to give them a permanent commission within three months.
Currently, women are inducted through a small service commission that allows them to work for 14 years in the military and only allow permanent commissions in the legal and educational wings of the force.
Politicians cutting across party lines welcomed the ruling on the Permanent Commission for Women (PC) in the military.
Earlier during the event, the Western Command Chief presented 32 Army Medals for gallantry, two Army Medals for Distinguished Service and seven Vashistha Seva Medals to Army officers and soldiers.
In addition, 16 elite units of Western Command were awarded for their professional excellence.
While congratulating the awardees, Lieutenant General Singh asked them to do their best and maintain the pride of the Indian Army.
