Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy is finalising a policy for women officers to serve on warships that have proper facilities for women. The women onboard warships of Indian Navy would work shoulder to shoulder with men in the coming years, said Chief of Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Vice-Admiral Karambir Singh.
Over 50 women fighter pilots will be inducted in the Indian Navy soon. Some of the women have been working with the sea force in various ranks. The Indian Navy has been trying to create an environment for women to sail and work on the ships, the Vice-Admiral admitted.
Replying on the sacking of an Indian Navy man (sailor) after he underwent sex change operation, Karambir Singh said the Indian Navy’s regulations do not allow continuation in service to a Navy sailor after gender change. India is part of a majority group of countries that do not allow gender reassignment during service, he added.
A senior officer with the ENC said the Indian Navy will modify warships and design them as per the conditions required to deploy women officers. Shivalik Class ships have been designed to accommodate women officers. He said that the issue was close to their hearts and expressed hope that women will board the war ships soon.
