A historic decision was taken by the Government of India and stated to the Supreme Court of India that now women will be allowed to participate in the NDA Entrance Examination. The implementation of the changes will be initiated from the next year i.e NDA Examination 2023.
A Writ Petition (No.1416/2020) was filed for seeking allowance for the females to participate in the NDA examination. The petitioner Kush Kalara raised this issue stating a violation of constitutional rights under Articles 14, 15, 16, and 19 of the Constitution of India.
The union of India however, stated that women are allowed to join all the branches of Defense forces through the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) and not allowing women into the army through NDA as a policy decision.
The supreme court of India under the bench of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hrishikesh Roy asserted that the policy decision is gender discriminating.
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Ms. Aishwarya Bhati, Ld. ASG on 8th of September, Wednesday informed the Supreme Court of India that women will be allowed to participate in the NDA Examination. The decision came right from the top of the Government of India. But, she also demanded time for the change to take place, citing infrastructural changes required for implementation.
Women Empowerment In Defense Forces
Women’s Empowerment had been a major objective and a topic of concern for many years. Civil society across the globe is working towards a more inclusive society with no social stigma against anyone, especially women. Defense Forces are one such place where women’s empowerment has been an important achievement.
Indian Defense Forces accept women into various branches of the defense forces. Multiple women are participating in the Indian Army, Indian nay and Indian Air Force which is increasing year on year.
With the petition demanding the participation of women in the defense forces through the NDA examination, the central Government gave permission for women candidates to participate in the NDA Examination.
Noted Women Participation in Indian Defense Forces
When we talk of the army, we often consider the participation of men in protecting us from threats but, the role of women is often overlooked. The following list are some of the noted female army, navy, and airforce officers that every Indian must pay respect to for serving the nation-
| Name | Rank | Awards and Achievements |
| Ruchi Sharma | Served as Captain from 1994-2003(retired) | Presidents Gold Medal General Oberoi Trophy |
| Priya Jhingan | Served as Major from 1994-2003 | Silver Medalist |
| Mitali Madhumita | Served as a Lieutenant Colonel 2000-present | First woman officer in the Indian Army to receive a gallantry award Sena Medal |
| Madhuri Kanitkar | Served as a Lieutenant General 1982-2021 | Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vishisht Seva Medal |
| Padma Bandopadhyay | Served as an Air Marshal 1968 – 2005 | Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vishisht Seva Medal Padma Shri |
| Punita Arora | Served as Surgeon Vice Admiral (Lieutenant General) in Indian Army and Indian Navy 1968-2004 | Param Vishisht Sena Medal Vishisht Seva Medal |