Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi: Women in Infantry Await Societal Acceptance
General Upendra Dwivedi made a significant statement on Tuesday. He declared the Indian Army stands ready to induct women into infantry roles. However, he emphasized this move depends on societal acceptance across the nation.
Gender Neutrality and Societal Readiness
During a media briefing, the General stressed the Army's focus on achieving gender neutrality. He firmly stated women should not be viewed as a vulnerable commodity. The decision rests on uniform standards and societal readiness.
"If standards are same, if capabilities are same, and in India as a nation, society is ready to accept it, it can be done tomorrow," General Dwivedi said.
He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining uniform standards due to medical and operational constraints. The expansion of roles for women will follow a careful, data-driven approach.
A Sequential Plan for Women's Induction
General Dwivedi outlined a clear, sequential plan for integrating women officers into more demanding roles. Performance data from current women officers will guide this process.
- The Army will first open roles in supporting arms.
- Combat arms will follow next in the sequence.
- Special forces roles will be the final stage of this integration.
The General described this planned expansion as a "sequential and welcome social change."
Current Numbers and Future Projections
The Army Chief provided detailed figures on women's participation. He revealed the current total stands at 8,000 women officers. The intake process shows steady growth.
- The National Defence Academy currently has 60 women Army cadets.
- The Academy plans to induct approximately 20 new women cadets each year.
- The Officers' Training Academies in Chennai and Gaya aim for 120 women cadets annually.
For inducting women into Other Ranks, a change in Section 12 of the Army Act is required. The Army projects a twelve-fold increase in women's induction into these ranks by the year 2032. Furthermore, the Territorial Army has opened up for women, with 110 vacancies announced.
Army Modernizes Force for Future Warfare
General Upendra Dwivedi also addressed the urgent need for modernization. He stated the Indian Army is actively learning from ongoing global conflicts to transform its capabilities.
New Formations and Indigenous Push
The modernization drive includes several key initiatives aimed at enhancing combat readiness.
- The Army plans to raise dedicated regiments of drones with enhanced capabilities.
- A new rocket and missile force is in development.
- Loitering munitions and advanced anti-missile defense systems are on the cards.
- New battalions, like the Bhairon battalions equipped with modern tech, are being formed.
General Dwivedi highlighted a major achievement in self-reliance. Over 90% of the Army's ammunition is now indigenised.
Drone Capabilities and Specialized Units
The General noted that Operation Sindoor gave a new thrust to drone development. Each Army command now possesses the capability to manufacture up to 5,000 drones based on operational needs.
"This capability can be enhanced to 20,000 or even one lakh drones depending upon the threat perception or conflict," he added.
He provided specifics on new specialized units:
- 13 Bhairav Battalions have been raised to bridge the gap between standard infantry and special forces.
- A Divyastra Battery has been created within the artillery regiment to support division commanders, utilizing unmanned aircraft systems.
- For counter-drone operations, a powerful regiment is being raised, starting with three units and expanding to twelve more.
General Dwivedi's statements paint a picture of an Army poised for significant social and technological transformation in the coming years.
