New Delhi: Indian Air Force will start inducting women cadets as Agniveer from next year, its chief Air Marshal Chief VR Chaudhari said on Tuesday.
While addressing the mediapersons in Delhi days ahead of 90th Indian Air Force Day, ACM Chaudhari said: “We as an organisation is gender agnostic and recognise merit and performance above everything else. A high ratio of women officers in the IAF is testimony to our commitment in providing equal opportunity and a level playing field for every individual irrespective of gender.”
“Induction of female Agniveer is planned next year,” he said.
He also stated that a total of 3,000 male Agniveers will join the service in December this year.
On female cadets’ induction, ACM Chaudhari added: “We are looking at 10 per cent females in the Agniveer scheme. We are looking at the fleets where we can use them and grow as time comes. We will accept them in the trade and fleet with an open mind.”
It should be noted that Indian Navy had already announced the inclusion of women under Agnipath scheme when it was announced in June this year.
Over 9.5 lakh applicants, including 82,000 had registered for recruitment into the Indian Navy under the Agnipath Scheme.
On June 14, the government had announced the new scheme replacing the legacy system of recruitment to lower the age profile of the armed forces.
Under the Agnipath scheme, the soldiers will be recruited for four years only, with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them in the regular cadre for 15 years.
It had sparked controversy just after its announcement. The Union Home Ministry had to reserve 10 per cent vacancies in CAPFs and Assam Rifles for ‘Agniveers’.
