Women pilots to be permanent features of Air Force: Rajnath Singh
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New Delhi: In a significant development, the Central Government on Tuesday has decided to make appointments of women pilots in the Indian Air Force as a permanent one, instead of on the experimental basis it is currently established on.
"The MoD has decided to convert the Experimental Scheme for Induction of Women Fighter Pilots in the Indian Air Force into a permanent scheme. It is a testimony to the capability of India's 'Nari Shakti' and our PM Shri Narendra Modi's commitment towards women empowerment," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Twitter.
In 2018, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. She flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight. Chaturvedi was part of a three-member women team commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.
Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was the first woman Rafale pilot and the second woman pilot overall to take part in the Air Force tableau which was on display during the Republic Day parade earlier this month. Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the first female fighter pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
As of now, 16 women pilots are serving the nation in the Rafale, Su30 MKI and MiG 21 Bison aircrafts.
The army has also opened its aviation branch to women and the Navy has women officers onboard warships. Other avenues are opening up as well. The Indian Army last year promoted five women to the rank of colonel who completed service of 26 years.
This was the first-time women officers reached the rank of Colonel outside branches like Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC).
The Supreme Court has also given the go-ahead for command roles to be given to women. Women are also being taken in as soldiers in Assam Rifles and Corps of Military Police. Now women can also be cadets at the National Defence Academy.