Dear Editor, The Supreme Court’s decision to allow girls to appear in the National Defense Aiken Demi (NDA) entrance examination is certainly commendable and should be welcomed. But we should also think that if the Government takes such decisions, then there will be no chance of interference from the judiciary. If the government wants to ensure equal participation of women and men in the armed forces and paramilitary forces, no one can stop or stop it. There has been a long-standing demand to increase the participation of women in the military. Many governments have come and gone, but the pace of change is very slow. We have to look at this issue with the prejudice prevailing in the society. During the hearing of the matter of admission in NDIR, the Bench of Judges has also taken a dig at narrow mentality and in fact decision is based on the principle of Right to Equality. Women have shown their potential in every sphere of life, but in spite of this their participation in every field is decreasing instead of increasing. In such a situation, this decision can infuse new enthusiasm. One of the major reasons for the lack of proper participation of women in India’s workforce is that there is no concrete national policy targeting their empowerment and all-round development in our country. The policies and programs which are there are not being implemented well. This complaint is not with this or that government, but with all the governments. India is ranked 140th out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2021 of the World Economic Forum, a drop of 28 places from the previous report. This has not happened in one or two or four years, but this decline is the result of the shortcomings of the said years. We are developing in many fields including economic and we have ambition to join the ranks of important countries on the global stage. In such a situation, we have to set an example to the world that we are effectively reducing discrimination between men and women. For this, there is no need to wait for the order of the government court, but priority should be made to focus on measures to establish equality with sensitivity. That is why the court has said in its order that it is a policy decision to stop women from appearing in the NDA examination, which is based on gender discrimination and the government and the army should adopt a positive attitude in this matter. If we have to take the country forward on the path of development, then women have to be given equality and representation in every field. We cannot become a prosperous nation without ensuring security, opportunity and respect to half the population. There is a need to move beyond election promises and statements about women. What role women can and can’t play in the army, it should not be a matter of debate in today’s time. Women are contributing in all fields in the armies of many big, powerful and wealthy countries. We can learn from their example and experience. There is no sector in the twenty-first century where women are not working. If we are limiting the role of women in the army, it means that we are undermining the potential of Indian women. Such a mindset cannot be accepted. We should be free from this patriarchal and anti-feminist thinking. Keep in mind, this is not only in the case of women’s participation in the military, but in every field. This thinking also creates an environment of injustice, atrocities and oppression against women. In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that now girls will also be able to study in Sainik Schools. This is also welcome. Now what is needed is a policy that wherever men are studying or working, women can also participate equally. There will be no need for separate decisions after such a declaration. Co-education should be accepted as a principle. When boys and girls study and grow together, their sensitivity towards each other will also increase and will go a long way in eliminating any prejudices about ability or equality. The experiences of other countries are important in this regard. In countries where co-education is widespread, there are no barriers to participation in the military or other fields. In our country the students in the schools which have co-education are relatively better. This will also enable us to use the available resources more positively. The admission of girls to Sainik Schools will increase the scope of benefits of the system of those schools and will also help in removing military related obstacles in the long run. Vijay.
