Gender equality can’t be postponed: SC orders govt to allow women for November NDA exam

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 22, 2021: The Supreme Court directed the Centre to allow women candidates to appear for the November 2021 entrance exam to the National Defence Academy (NDA), saying "gender equality issues cannot be postponed".

 

The direction comes a day after the Defence Ministry informed the Supreme Court that a notification allowing women candidates to appear for the exam would be out by May next year.

"Women must be allowed to take the November 2021 exams. Cannot defer for one year. Medical standards should be tentatively notified. UPSC to issue a corrected notification for the November exam," the Supreme Court said.

"Effectively, what is being requested is that the present exam of November 21 be skipped as far as entrance of girls is concerned. We have given thought to the submissions. It will be difficult for us in this situation as the aspirations of women have risen," the court further said.

On September 8, the government had assured the court that the induction of women into the NDA was already under consideration by the Armed Forces.

On Tuesday, the Defence Ministry submitted to the Supreme Court an affidavit on induction of women into the Army, Navy and Air Force through the National Defence Academy.

"Entrance exams for entry into the NDA are held twice a year and the government proposes to have the necessary mechanism in place for induction of women candidates by May, 2022. That is the time by which UPSC is expected to publish its first notification for the entrance exam," it said.

The government said that keeping the timelines in mind, meticulous planning and preparation was called for to ensure smooth induction and training of women candidates.

"While medical standards for the male candidates exist, appropriate medical standards for women candidates are in the process of formulation. They need to be determined before women join the academy. A body of experts will determine these, taking into account various aspects," the Defence Ministry said in the affidavit.

The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Kush Kalra. The petition raised the issue of exclusion of eligible and willing female candidates from joining the NDA solely on the ground of sex, which allegedly was a violation of fundamental right of equality.

Courtesy:India Today