Government to take decisions to improve women strength in armed forces: Manohar Parrikar

MOHALI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today expressed concern over the low participation of women in armed forces, saying the Centre will take "a lot of decisions" in next couple of months for improving their numbers.

"I am bit pained as only 3,298 ladies are in armed forces (in the country)," Parrikar said addressing a gathering after inaugurating ' Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute'.

The institute has been set up by Punjab government to impart specialized training exclusively to women aspirants across the state to join armed forces in the country.

"In next one or two months, a lot of decisions regarding participation of women or girls in the armed forced will be taken," Parrikar, who visited Punjab for the first time as Defence Minister, said here.

He said the government was examining the restrictions faced by women in joining the army and added that it would do everything to increase their participation.

"I want women should join armed forces in a big way. We will take a decision with regard to whatever restrictions are there after examining the same in next few days," Parrikar

"The government has decided that in the wake of low participation of women in the armed forces, it will do everything, whatever it requires to improve their strength," he asserted.