Rajnath Singh approves equal maternity, child care, & child adoption leaves for women in armed forces

New Delhi, November 5, 2023 – In a significant move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has granted approval for extending the provisions of Maternity, Child Care, and Child Adoption Leaves to women soldiers, sailors, and air warriors serving in the Armed Forces, on par with their officer counterparts. This progressive decision ensures that all women within the military, regardless of their rank, are entitled to these leaves. The decision aligns with Defence Minister’s vision of promoting inclusive participation of women in the Armed Forces, irrespective of their ranks. This extension of leave provisions will play a pivotal role in addressing family and social issues specific to women in the military, ultimately enhancing the working conditions for women while facilitating a better balance between their professional and family lives.

In line with the commitment of the Government, led by Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, to empower Nari Shakti (women’s power), the Armed Forces have undertaken a transformative shift by including women as soldiers, sailors, and air warriors. This initiative harnesses the bravery, dedication, and patriotism of women in safeguarding the nation’s land, sea, and air borders.

Indian women have shattered barriers in various fields within the Armed Forces, from operational deployments in the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, to serving on warships and excelling in aerial combat. Notably, in 2019, a significant milestone was achieved with the recruitment of women as soldiers in the Corps of Military Police within the Indian Army. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh consistently advocates for gender equality, emphasizing that women should stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in all domains.