(a) the details of the extant promotion policy for women officers in the armed forces,
Service-wise;
(b) whether different criteria are followed for granting promotions to women and men
officers in the armed forces;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(d) the corrective steps taken / proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (d) A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION
NO. 936 FOR ANSWER ON 12.8.2013
(a) to (c) Army:
Women Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) of all Arms/ services are eligible for
substantive promotion to non select ranks of Captain, Major and Lieutenant Colonel on
completion of two, six and 13 years of reckonable commissioned service respectively, at
par with Men SSCOs. However, old term optee Women SSCOs and Men SSCOs are governed by
different terms and conditions. Based on their respective terms and conditions, old term
optee Women SSCOs are eligible for substantive rank of Captain on completion of five year
of service, while old term optee Men SSCOs are eligible for promotion to quasi-substantive
rank of Captain on completion of nine years of service.
Presently, Permanent Commission is applicable to Women officers from Army Education Corps and
Judge Advocate General branch. These women officers are being considered for promotion to the
select rank, based on the same criteria as applicable to Male officers.
Navy:
In the Indian Navy, officers are eligible for substantive promotion to the rank of Lieutenant,
Lieutenant Commander, Commander and Captain (Time Scale) after completion of 2 years as Sub
Lieutenant, 4 years from the date of promotion of Substantive Lieutenant, 11 years from the
date of promotion of Substantive Lieutenant and 26 years of reckonable commissioned service
respectively. Promotions on these lines are subject to officers fulfilling other criteria as
per extant rules. This policy is equally applicable to both men and women officers.
Air Force:
In the Air Force, officers are eligible for substantive promotion to the rank of Flt. Lieutenant,
Squadron Leader, Wing Commander and Group Captain (Time Scale) after completion of 2 years, 6
years, 13 years and 26 years of reckonable commissioned service respectively. Promotions on
these lines are subject to officers fulfilling other criteria as per extant rules. This policy
is equally applicable to both men and women officers.
(d) Does not arise.