Women cadets in NDA: Years later, you will see women at my position, says Army chief Naravane

Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Friday asked for women cadets to be accepted and professional at the National Defence Academy. He made the remarks while speaking at the NDA's 141st course passing out parade in Pune. "As we open the NDA's doors to female cadets, we want you to welcome them with the same spirit of fair play and professionalism for which the Indian armed forces are recognised throughout the globe," General Naravane stated.

His remarks follow a development last month in which the Union Ministry of Defence notified the Supreme Court that a notice allowing women candidates to take the NDA entrance exam will be issued by May 2022. The Supreme Court let female applicants sit the exam in November this year, noting that the induction of women into the NDA could not be postponed by a year.  In his remarks, General Naravane urged the cadets to stay up to speed on the latest technology to meet modern problems.

Also Read | Historic move: Women to be admitted in NDA, given Permanent Commission; Centre informs SC

General Naravane said over 42 years back; when he stood as a cadet at the same drill, he could have imagined that he would be reviewing this parade. He added that he was "greatly honoured" to review the passing out parade.

Earlier, in a historic move, the Central Government informed the Supreme Court that all the three Forces have agreed to induct women into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and give Permanent Commission to them. However, the government said it needs some time to frame guidelines to pave the way for women to take NDA courses. The Centre told the Supreme Court that Army, IAF and Navy chiefs have agreed over the proposal to allow the entry of women into the NDA, Naval academies.

Also Read  | Govt invites applications for NDA and Naval exams from women aspirants

• Indian Army
• Supreme Court
• NDA
• women cadets