In A Historic Move, Women To Be Admitted In NDA For Permanent Commission In Armed Forces
The Central Government informed the Supreme Court that female candidates will be allowed to be admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA).
The government told the SC that the three services chiefs have agreed to give Permanent Commission to women and their entry into NDA.
The top court was hearing a PIL filed by advocate Kush Kalra, seeking NDA to open its doors for women aspiring to join the Armed Forces.
The top court had earlier passed an interim order allowing women to take the exam slated on September 5. However, Wednesday the top court was informed that the exam has been rescheduled to November 14.?
On Wednesday, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, told a bench headed by Justice SK Kaul that a decision has been taken at the highest level of the armed forces as also the government to allow female candidates in NDA.
The top court said it has been periodically nudging the authorities to do it themselves and it believes that they are best suited to evolve the whole.
"The idea is when nothing happens, the court steps in. Let me assure you it's not a happy situation to step in and we would like the armed services to do it themselves. They are very respected forces of the country but on gender equality they have to do more and sometimes the resistance does not come out well," said the bench, also comprising Justice M M Sundresh.
"I am happy that the heads of armed forces have taken a positive decision. Put on record, we will take up the matter. We are happy with the stand. let us hear the matter next week. Reforms cannot happen in a day. We are also conscious of that," it said.
