Updated: November 25, 2020 9:06:42 pm
Women in the power train for combat (File photo)
Several female Army officers who have not been selected for permanent commission at the recently held special selection board for short-duty commission, female officers, have denounced that there was a lack of transparency regarding the selection criteria and that the results have left them “shocked ”.
Four female officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel approached The Indian Express, on condition of anonymity, and expressed their disappointment at the outcome of the selection board. These officers belong to different branches of the Army.
“We have an excellent career track, we have done extraordinarily well for two decades, and we looked forward to the Army implementing the Supreme Court ruling granting the permanent commission to female officers. However, when the results were released on November 19, we were surprised to see that many deserving officers have not been granted a permanent commission, ”said one officer.
All officers alleged that their letters to the Military Secretary’s section on how the selection for the permanent commission would be made went unanswered.
“We wrote to the MS branch in August 2020 requesting details of the process to follow, but we received no response. We do not understand how officers who are in good physical shape, have an excellent rating in the Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) and have no disciplinary or surveillance cases pending against them have been left out, ”said a lieutenant colonel.
These officers also alleged that the correct figures for the percentage of female officers selected for the permanent commission have not been published in the public domain. “The percentages are much lower and an attempt is being made to show that 50% or 70% of female officers have received a permanent commission,” said one officer.
Agents also alleged that shortly after the SC’s verdict, the “system” proved its vengeance by publishing policy letters that revised fitness guidelines and made them stricter for female officers. Additionally, senior service officers were asked to report for the Junior Command (JC) course. “Both directions withdrew later, but this shows the negative attitude towards us. They also forced us to undergo medical examinations for the selection board under Covid conditions, while no such requirement has been enforced for male officers who are being considered for promotion boards, ”said one official.
It is also alleged that some of those selected for the standing commission have not even passed basic professional courses such as the Part B and Part D exams. The officers alleged bias and said that despite having taken some advanced courses, they were never used. properly in service and are now being forced to leave after working hard in the organization at the expense of their family.
“We don’t even have time to prepare for retirement. We have a lot of things to do, like Ex-Military Contributory Health Plan (ECHS) membership, CSD canteen card, Ex-military identity card, and many other administrative requirements. However, the selection court’s letter says that those who have not been selected for the permanent commission should prepare for their release from service immediately and not wait for formal orders.
Is this how they are going to treat us after 20 years and more in the Army? Asked an officer.
Of the 615 female officers considered in the selection board, 422 were selected for the permanent commission. The female officers who have been selected for permanent commission belong to branches such as Engineers, Signals, Intelligence Corps, Army Air Defense, Army Aviation Corps, Army Artillery Corps, Army Service Corps, and Electronic Engineers Corps and Mechanics.
The army dismisses the accusations
In response to the allegations, a senior Army officer at Army Headquarters said that Selection Board No. 5 to select commissioned short-duty officers for the permanent commission was held in accordance with the provisions of the Order. 18 of the Army of 1988 and the same was communicated to all the women affected. officers.
“A brigade rank officer from the Army Medical Corps was also one of the members of the Selection Board to add transparency. In addition, female officers who were being considered at the board were allowed to witness the proceedings. “
The board went through a deliberate and time-tested process to select the right officers for the standing commission. As a result of the meeting, 422 out of 615 were deemed eligible.
On November 23 of this year, the Supreme Court also expressed its satisfaction that the Center has implemented its verdict to consider granting permanent commission to female Army officers. “It is the victory of our nation that women aspire to reach the highest pedestal. It’s a great feeling even for us as judges, ”the official said in response.
She added that passing the Part B and Part D exams was not a selection criterion as alleged by female officers.
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