No rank discrimination in maternity, adoption leaves in armed forces: MoD
New Delhi: The Armed Forces are set to eliminate rank-based discrimination in maternity leave. Female soldiers, sailors, and air warriors will now enjoy equal entitlement to Maternity, Child Care, and Child Adoption Leaves, mirroring the benefits offered to officers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given his approval for an extension of the regulations governing Maternity, Child Care, and Child Adoption Leaves for women serving in the Armed Forces, aligning them with their officer counterparts, announced the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Sunday.
According to the MoD, this policy change ensures that all women in the military, regardless of their rank, will have equal access to these essential leave benefits.
“This decision aligns with the Defence Minister’s vision of promoting the inclusive participation of all women in the Armed Forces, irrespective of their rank. Expanding the leave rules will significantly address women-specific family and social issues relevant to the Armed Forces,” stated a MoD official.
The MoD believes that this measure will enhance the working conditions for women in the military, enabling them to strike a better balance between their professional and family lives.
Furthermore, the MoD highlighted the remarkable achievements of Indian women in the Armed Forces, from their operational deployment in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, to serving on warships and excelling in aviation. Women are now breaking barriers in nearly every sector of the Armed Forces.
In 2019, a significant milestone was reached with the recruitment of women as soldiers in the Corps of Military Police in the Indian Army.
The official emphasized that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has consistently advocated for equal opportunities for women in all fields, ensuring they stand on equal footing with their male counterparts.
