FICCI Ladies Business Women demand major role in Defence Procurement & Research

New Delhi: The Government has taken a number of steps to strengthen the role of women in the armed forces. It has now moved to inducting women officers in most of the branches of the Army. The women are now being accepted for permanent commission and shall be commanding army units and battalions in the near future.

“The government has taken a number of steps to strengthen the role of women within the security setup in general and the armed forces in particular. As part of the Government endeavor to bring gender parity, in the coming years, the armed forces will see larger participation of women.” said Mr. Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence while speaking at an event “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, celebrating women organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Women business wing of FICCI here today.

“Women are now being accepted for permanent commission and shall be commanding army units and battalions in the near future. In the recently held National Defense Academy (NDA) more than Two lakh women took the entrance exam in the country, such is the enthusiasm t serve the forces ”, Said Mr. Rajnath Singh

“Women in the country have proven themselves in every walk of life. Many barriers have been broken and many more imagined barriers should break in the years to come.” He said.

“FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) welcomes recent steps taken by the government to promote the participation of private sector in indigenous defence productions and 100 percent FDI along with induction of the first female fighters in Indian Airforce paving the way for women to be given more combat roles moving towards gender parity in World’s biggest force,” said Ms. Ujjwala Singhania, President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) while speaking on the occasion.

“Women entrepreneurs and corporate houses can play a greater role in defence production, research and support and take advantage of the new government policy of greater private participation'', she added.

“Empowering of women entrepreneurs and professionals especially in the defense sector is truly essential for Atma Nirbhar Bharat.  A homage to Bharat Ratna Late Lata Mangeshkar was also paid during the event and Usha Mangeshkar sister of Lata Mangeshkar received the honour. Those present on the occasion included Ms. Jyanti Dalmia. President Elect, FLO and Usha Poonawala, chairperson, FICCI FLO, Pune Chapter.

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