Union defence minister Rajnath Singh approved the posting of women officers of the Territorial Army (TA) with its engineer regiments along the Line of Control (LoC). A statement on Sunday from the defence ministry said that he has also cleared the appointment of the women officers as staff officers at TA group headquarters and directorate general of TA in New Delhi as per organizational requirements.

The Territorial Army had commenced commissioning of women officers since 2019 in ecological task force units, TA oil sector units and TA railway engineer regiment.

The ministry said, “Based on the experience gained during this period, it has been decided to extend the scope of further employment for women officers in TA.”

The TA operates on the basis of a citizen-soldiers’ army concept and officers undergo annual training on basic military skills while remaining gainfully employed in civilian life.

The ministry said, “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the posting of women officers of the Territorial Army with engineer regiments of the TA along the Line of Control and as staff officers at TA group headquarters/ directorate general of Territorial Army at New Delhi, as per organisational requirement.”

It also mentioned that the progressive policy measure was aimed at enhancing the scope of employment of women officers as well as meeting their professional aspirations.

“They will now serve and train under the same conditions as their male counterparts in a wider range of units and appointments,” the ministry said in its statement.

Meanwhile, the department of military affairs has approved the amendments to existing cadre management provisions for women officers of the TA.