Centre committed to increasing the strength of women in defence forces
Context
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the administration is dedicated to boosting the number of women in the armed services. “Today, India is setting higher goals for itself and utilizing its full potential to achieve those goals,” Mr Modi stated on the occasion of Navy Day in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra’s Konkan coast.
Why is the central government trying to increase the strength of women in defence forces?
- Equality and Empowerment of Women:
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment are vital aspects of modern cultures. Increasing women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated areas, such as the military forces, coincides with broader gender inclusiveness aims.
- Making the Most of Human Potential:
- Governments acknowledge that utilizing the entire human potential of both men and women improves the armed forces’ overall capabilities. Women in the armed forces provide a larger diversity of skills, viewpoints, and talents.
- Decision-Making Diversity:
- A more diversified military, including women in leadership positions, leads to more well-rounded decision-making. Diverse teams frequently bring a variety of methods to issue resolution, strategic planning, and operational execution.
- National Security and Operational Ease:
- Women’s involvement in the defence forces is viewed as a deliberate measure to improve operational performance. Women can contribute to a variety of tasks, including combat and non-combat jobs, improving the armed forces’ overall capabilities.
- Global Trends and Standards:
- Many countries throughout the world are recognizing the value of gender diversity in their armed forces. India, like other countries, may be aligning its legislation with global trends and recognizing the benefits of women’s participation in the military.
- Increased Recruitment Pool:
- Allowing women to serve in military roles expands the pool of potential recruits, allowing the armed forces to pick individuals based on merit and qualifications rather than gender. As a result, the force will be more competitive and capable.
What are the key points in the vision of bringing women empowerment into the Navy?
- Commitment to Women in the Armed Forces: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the government’s commitment to increasing the strength of women in the armed forces. Commander Prerna Deosthalee will be the first woman officer of the Indian Navy to command the Indian Naval Warship
- Setting Bigger Targets for India: Modi highlighted that India is setting ambitious targets and utilizing its full potential to achieve them.
- Navy Day Celebration in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra: The Prime Minister made these statements in Sindhudurg district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra during the celebration of Navy Day.
How is the government trying to cut off the Colonial elements from the navy?
- Inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji: Modi unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at the Rajkot Fort and mentioned that India is moving forward, inspired by the ideals of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king.
- Shaking Off “Slave Mentality”: Modi stated that the India of today is shaking off the “slave mentality” and moving forward with pride.
- Recognition of Naval Capabilities:Praising Chhatrapati Shivaji’s foresight, Modi emphasized the importance of naval capabilities for any nation.
- Renaming Ranks in the Indian Navy: Modi announced the decision to rename ranks in the Indian Navy according to Indian culture, reflecting a sense of pride in the country’s heritage.
- Increase in Women’s Power in Defence Forces: The Prime Minister congratulated the Navy for appointing the country’s first woman commanding officer on a naval ship and expressed the government’s commitment to increasing the participation of women in the defence forces.
- Seal of Shivaji Inspiring Naval Ensign: Modi mentioned that the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji inspired the new naval ensign adopted last year during the commissioning of the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
- Preservation of Forts Built During Shivaji’s Period: The Union and State governments are determined to preserve forts built during Shivaji’s period. Significant funds are being allocated for the conservation of these heritage sites throughout Maharashtra, including the Konkan region.
