Permanent Commission to Women Officers in Indian Army
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | January 15, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 50 |
| Quantity | 111,000 |
| Perforation | 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN IN 3755 Yvert et Tellier IN IN 3434 Stanley Gibbons IN IN 3795 |
| Themes | Military Forces |
Early Induction of Women Officers
Since Independence, women have served with dedication in the Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, and Military Nursing Service. In 1992, the scope expanded with the induction of women officers into the Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, Army Education Corps, and Judge Advocate General Department under the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES). These officers underwent 24 weeks of training and were initially commissioned for five years.
Evolution of Tenure and Opportunities
While men in the Short Service Commission (SSC), introduced in 1964, had a 49-week training and an option for Permanent Commission (PC), this pathway was not initially open to women. Over time, reforms gradually extended women’s tenure—five years in 1996, another four years in 2004, and later to 10 years extendable by 4 years in 2006. WSES was replaced with SSCW (Tech and Non-Tech), ensuring parity in training and time-bound promotions with their male counterparts.
Opening of Permanent Commission
In 2008, the Government of India approved Permanent Commission (PC) for women in the Army Education Corps (AEC) and Judge Advocate General (JAG) branches. In 2010, this was implemented, inspiring women officers in other arms and services to seek the same.
A historic breakthrough came on 15 August 2018, when the Hon’ble Prime Minister announced that women officers would be eligible for PC across all remaining branches. This was formalized through a Government Sanction Letter (25 February 2019) and reinforced by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on 17 February 2020. Subsequently, on 16 July 2020, PC was formally granted to women officers at par with their male colleagues. A Special Selection Board in September 2020 approved 422 women officers for PC.
New Frontiers in Army Aviation
On 15 January 2021, the Chief of Army Staff further announced that women officers would also be eligible for commission in Army Aviation as Pilots—a major milestone in their journey towards equal opportunities.
A Step Towards Women Empowerment
The granting of Permanent Commission to Women Officers is a landmark achievement in the history of the Indian Army. It symbolizes gender equality, empowerment, and recognition of women’s dedication to the service of the nation. Women officers now stand shoulder to shoulder with men in defending the borders and safeguarding the sovereignty of India.
Commemoration
The Department of Posts proudly issues a Commemorative Postage Stamp celebrating this historic transformation, honoring the courage, commitment, and service of Women Officers in the Indian Army.
First Day Cover
