News Analysis India

Tag: National Defence Academy

  • Decision on PoK should have been taken during 1971 Indo-Pak war: Rajnath Singh 

    By PTI

    SHIMLA: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that decision on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should have been taken during 1971 war between India and the neighbouring country.

    The defence minister said this while addressing a function to honour martyrs’ families at Badoli in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

    “We have recently marked the Golden Jubilee of victory of 1971 war. The 1971 war will be remembered in history as the war fought for humanity instead of property, possession or power,” Singh said.

    “There is only one regret. The decision on PoK should have been taken at that time itself,” he said.

    Singh also attended a similar function at Nadaun in Hamirpur district.

    In Kangra, Singh also shed light on the Centre’s unwavering resolve to make the country ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the progress achieved due to the measures taken to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

    “Earlier, India was known as a defence importer. Today, it is among one of the top 25 defence exporters in the world. From about Rs 900 crore eight years ago, defence exports have crossed Rs 13,000 crore. We are hopeful that the defence exports will touch Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and the target of Rs 2.7 lakh crore set for 2047 will be met,” he said.

    While maintaining that India has never attacked any country, nor has it captured an inch of a foreign land, he assured the nation that if any attempt is ever made to disturb the harmony in India, a befitting reply will be given.

    “India is a peace-loving country, but it should not be mistaken for being a coward or afraid of war. At a time when we were dealing with COVID-19, we had to face the tension on the northern border with China. The courage of our soldiers during the Galwan incident proved that no matter how big the power is, India will never bow down,” he said.

    Singh said that the formation of the post of ‘chief of defence staff and the setting up of the department of military affairs are some of the major reforms taken to bolster national security.

    “Doors of National Defence Academy (NDA) have been opened for girls, while women in the Armed Forces are being given a permanent commission. We have also allowed the deployment of women on warships,” he said.

    Singh stressed that the government is building a ‘New India’, which will give a sense of security and trust to all our peace-loving friendly countries and those with evil intentions will get nothing but dust.

    During the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, the defence minister stated that India’s new strategy against terrorism has broken the backs of those who try to hurt the unity and integrity of the nation.

    “Terror activities were carried out from Pakistan under a well-thought-out policy. After the Uri and Pulwama attacks, our government and the Armed Forces, through the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, displayed to the world India’s unwavering commitment to root out terrorism. We showed that our forces have the capability to act on this side and, if needed, on the other side of the border. India’s image has been transformed. It is now seriously listened to on international platforms,” he said.

    The defence minister was of the view that the inspiration taken from the heroes of the Armed Forces is the reason behind India moving swiftly forward on the path of development.

    “When the dark clouds of war appear and national interests are attacked, it is the soldiers who bear that attack and protect the country. It is the supreme sacrifice of the fallen heroes which keeps the people alive,” he stated.

    “The names of General Sam Manekshaw, General Jagjit Singh Arora, General Jacob, General Sujan Singh Uban and General Officer in Command Air Marshal Latif, who led India to a resounding victory, will never be forgotten. Indian soldiers in the war included Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Sikhs and one Jew. It is proof of India’s belief toward Sarvadharma Sambhav (respect for all religions). All these brave soldiers belonged to different states with different mother tongues. They were bound by a strong and common thread of Indianness,” he said.

    Singh termed Himachal Pradesh as a border state strategically important for India and the people residing in the border areas as strategic assets.

    While emphasising that it is the responsibility of every government to make their lives better, he stated strengthening the border infrastructure as well as the intelligence and communication capability of the country has been accorded top priority by the government, led by Prime Minister Modi.

    He pointed out that hundreds of kms of roads, bridges and tunnels have been constructed in the border areas, with Atal tunnel in Himachal Pradesh being one of the mega projects.

    Singh paid respects to the families of the war heroes, stating that the country will forever be indebted to the sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers.

    He said the Armed Forces will always be a source of inspiration to the people, especially the youth, as they possess the traits of discipline, devotion to duty, patriotism and sacrifice, and are a symbol of national pride and trust.

    “Background, religion and creed don’t matter, what matters is that our beloved tri-colour continues to fly high,” he said.

    The defence minister paid glowing tributes to the war heroes, including first recipient of Param Vir Chakra Major Somnath Sharma (1947); Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, Maha Vir Chakra (1948); Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC (1962); Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (1999) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, PVC (1999).

    On this occasion, Singh felicitated the families of the brave soldiers of the Armed Forces hailing from Himachal Pradesh, who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

    SHIMLA: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that decision on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should have been taken during 1971 war between India and the neighbouring country.

    The defence minister said this while addressing a function to honour martyrs’ families at Badoli in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

    “We have recently marked the Golden Jubilee of victory of 1971 war. The 1971 war will be remembered in history as the war fought for humanity instead of property, possession or power,” Singh said.

    “There is only one regret. The decision on PoK should have been taken at that time itself,” he said.

    Singh also attended a similar function at Nadaun in Hamirpur district.

    In Kangra, Singh also shed light on the Centre’s unwavering resolve to make the country ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the progress achieved due to the measures taken to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

    “Earlier, India was known as a defence importer. Today, it is among one of the top 25 defence exporters in the world. From about Rs 900 crore eight years ago, defence exports have crossed Rs 13,000 crore. We are hopeful that the defence exports will touch Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and the target of Rs 2.7 lakh crore set for 2047 will be met,” he said.

    While maintaining that India has never attacked any country, nor has it captured an inch of a foreign land, he assured the nation that if any attempt is ever made to disturb the harmony in India, a befitting reply will be given.

    “India is a peace-loving country, but it should not be mistaken for being a coward or afraid of war. At a time when we were dealing with COVID-19, we had to face the tension on the northern border with China. The courage of our soldiers during the Galwan incident proved that no matter how big the power is, India will never bow down,” he said.

    Singh said that the formation of the post of ‘chief of defence staff and the setting up of the department of military affairs are some of the major reforms taken to bolster national security.

    “Doors of National Defence Academy (NDA) have been opened for girls, while women in the Armed Forces are being given a permanent commission. We have also allowed the deployment of women on warships,” he said.

    Singh stressed that the government is building a ‘New India’, which will give a sense of security and trust to all our peace-loving friendly countries and those with evil intentions will get nothing but dust.

    During the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, the defence minister stated that India’s new strategy against terrorism has broken the backs of those who try to hurt the unity and integrity of the nation.

    “Terror activities were carried out from Pakistan under a well-thought-out policy. After the Uri and Pulwama attacks, our government and the Armed Forces, through the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, displayed to the world India’s unwavering commitment to root out terrorism. We showed that our forces have the capability to act on this side and, if needed, on the other side of the border. India’s image has been transformed. It is now seriously listened to on international platforms,” he said.

    The defence minister was of the view that the inspiration taken from the heroes of the Armed Forces is the reason behind India moving swiftly forward on the path of development.

    “When the dark clouds of war appear and national interests are attacked, it is the soldiers who bear that attack and protect the country. It is the supreme sacrifice of the fallen heroes which keeps the people alive,” he stated.

    “The names of General Sam Manekshaw, General Jagjit Singh Arora, General Jacob, General Sujan Singh Uban and General Officer in Command Air Marshal Latif, who led India to a resounding victory, will never be forgotten. Indian soldiers in the war included Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Sikhs and one Jew. It is proof of India’s belief toward Sarvadharma Sambhav (respect for all religions). All these brave soldiers belonged to different states with different mother tongues. They were bound by a strong and common thread of Indianness,” he said.

    Singh termed Himachal Pradesh as a border state strategically important for India and the people residing in the border areas as strategic assets.

    While emphasising that it is the responsibility of every government to make their lives better, he stated strengthening the border infrastructure as well as the intelligence and communication capability of the country has been accorded top priority by the government, led by Prime Minister Modi.

    He pointed out that hundreds of kms of roads, bridges and tunnels have been constructed in the border areas, with Atal tunnel in Himachal Pradesh being one of the mega projects.

    Singh paid respects to the families of the war heroes, stating that the country will forever be indebted to the sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers.

    He said the Armed Forces will always be a source of inspiration to the people, especially the youth, as they possess the traits of discipline, devotion to duty, patriotism and sacrifice, and are a symbol of national pride and trust.

    “Background, religion and creed don’t matter, what matters is that our beloved tri-colour continues to fly high,” he said.

    The defence minister paid glowing tributes to the war heroes, including first recipient of Param Vir Chakra Major Somnath Sharma (1947); Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, Maha Vir Chakra (1948); Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC (1962); Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (1999) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, PVC (1999).

    On this occasion, Singh felicitated the families of the brave soldiers of the Armed Forces hailing from Himachal Pradesh, who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

  • Welcome women cadets to NDA with same sense of fair play, professionalism: Army chief

    By PTI

    PUNE: Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane on Friday said as the National Defence Academy (NDA) opens its doors for women cadets, it is expected that they are welcomed with the same sense of fair play and professionalism.

    He was addressing the cadets after reviewing the passing out parade of the 141st course of the NDA here.

    “As we open the portals of the NDA for women cadets, we expect you to welcome them with the same sense of fair play and professionalism as Indian armed forces are known world over,” General Naravane said.

    Last month, the Defence Ministry had informed the Supreme Court that a notification allowing women candidates to appear for the entrance exam to the NDA will be out by May next year.

    But observing that induction of women to the NDA cannot be postponed by one year, the apex court had allowed female candidates to take the exam in November this year and not wait till May 2022 as requested by the government.

    In his speech, the army chief also appealed the cadets to keep abreast with new technology to counter the contemporary challenges.

    He said he was greatly honoured to review the parade.

    “A little over 42 years back, when I stood as a cadet at the same drill square as you stand today, little I could have imagined that I would be reviewing this parade,” he said.

    “From here on, you will step into the respective career service academies for more focused military training. You will don different uniforms, but always remember that no single service by itself can fight and win modern wars,” he added.

  • Armed forces have decided to admit women in NDA: Centre tells SC

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday that the armed forces have decided to induct women into the National Defence Academy (NDA).

    Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, told a bench headed by Justice S K Kaul that a decision has been taken at the highest level of the armed forces as also the government that females will be inducted for permanent commission through the NDA.

    The ASG sought apex court’s permission to place the details on record through affidavit and sought status quo in this year’s exams as this needs procedure and infrastructural changes.

    The top court said it has been periodically nudging the authorities to do it themselves and it believes that they are best suited to evolve the whole.

    “The idea is when nothing happens, the court steps in. Let me assure you it’s not a happy situation to step in and we would like the armed services to do it themselves. They are very respected forces of the country but on gender equality they have to do more and sometimes the resistance does not come out well,” said the bench, also comprising Justice M M Sundresh.

    “I am happy that the heads of armed forces have taken a positive decision. Put on record, we will take up the matter. We are happy with the stand. Let us hear the matter next week. Reforms cannot happen in a day. We are also conscious of that,” it said.

    The ASG told the bench that the thought was already there in their minds but it was only in the seeding stage.

    The matter is listed after two weeks.

    The apex court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Kush Kalra raising the issue of exclusion of eligible and willing female candidates from joining the prestigious NDA solely on the ground of sex which allegedly is a violation of fundamental right of equality.

  • SC allows women to appear in NDA examination, asks UPSC to issue notification

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: In a major step towards gender equality, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed eligible women to take the examination for admission to National Defence Academy (NDA) scheduled to be held on September 5.

    The top court, however, said that the women candidates can take the examination subject to further orders of the court.

    A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy passed the interim order on a plea filed by one Kush Kalra, which has sought a direction to the authorities concerned to allow eligible female candidates to appear in the “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination’ and train at the NDA.”

    “In view of the impending examination and on hearing counsel for parties, we consider it appropriate to issue an interim direction permitting the women candidates to take part in the examination scheduled for September 5, 2021, subject to further orders from this Court,” the bench said.

    The bench also directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to take out an appropriate notification in view of its order and give due publicity to it.

    “UPSC is directed to take out the necessary corrigendum in view of the interim orders we have passed today and give it wide publicity so that the intent of the order is translated into benefit at the ground level,” the bench said, while directing that the copy of its order be forthwith transmitted to the UPSC.

    It listed the matter for further hearing on September 8, 2021.

    During the hearing, senior advocate Chinmoy Pradip Sharma, appearing for Kalra, said they have received the Centre’s counter affidavit on Tuesday in which the government has stated that it is purely a policy decision and court should not interfere with it.

    The bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that why is the government continuing in this direction after the verdicts of this court related to extending permanent commission in the Army and Navy to women.

    “This is unfounded now. We are finding it absurd. Will the Army act on after the judicial orders are passed? We will then pass an order, if that is what you want. I have this impression right from the High Court that till an order is passed, the Army does not believe in doing anything voluntarily,” the bench said.

    Bhati said the Army has conferred Permanent Commission (PC) to many women.

    The bench said, “You had kept on opposing it (PC) till the orders were passed by this court. You did not do anything of your own. The Navy and Air Force were more forthcoming while the Army seems to have some kind of bias.”

    The top court said that it would have expected a more considered affidavit on the “policy decision based on gender equality” more specifically keeping in mind the observations of this Court in PC case.

    Bhati said that in this case there are several modes of entry into the Army like NDA, Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA) and women can enter into the force through OTA.

    She said, “NDA and IMA are modes of direct entry through UPSC. Whereas through OTA, women are commissioned along with men, both through UPSC and non-UPSC mode of entry. They are granted Short Service Commission, both men and women, and subsequently are considered for grant of Permanent Commission”.

    The bench said, “Why is it not through NDA. Is co-education a problem?” The ASG said that this is a policy decision that women are not allowed in NDA.

    The top court told the law officer that this policy decision is based on gender discrimination.

    Bhati said that she herself had argued the PC matter and appeared for women Short Service Commission officers, who were seeking grant of the PC to which the bench said its endeavour is to persuade the Army to do things by itself rather than on the basis of judicial orders.

    “We tried but there was no success in the Permanent Commission matter either in the High Court or even in the Supreme Court till Justice DY Chandrachud passed the order,” the bench said, adding that “it is not a case of just gender principle but it is a case of discrimination”.

    It said that now women officers are admitted even in combat roles to which the ASG said that in the Army women are granted permanent commission only in 10 streams while in the Air Force they are admitted as fighter pilots.

    The bench said that the mindset is to change which is not changing at all and pointed out that “The Air Force and Navy have acted in a more liberal way. However, in the Army, you kept giving them a five-five year job and never gave permanent commission till the verdict of the Supreme Court”.

    “If you are introducing women in the Army then why do you create a bar in NDA,” the bench said, adding that the government should not compel judicial intervention all the time.

    It said, “We, as an institution, must confess that we may not know all the intricacies of the structure of the Army but the broader principle of gender neutrality that you must understand and adapt to in the backdrop of your peculiarities. Court passing blanket orders does not advance the actual cause”.

    With regard to admission of girls in Sainik Schools, the Centre in its affidavit said that the process of admitting girls has already started and it will be further expanded.

    The bench noted that as far as Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) is concerned, it is stated that it is a 99-years-old institution which will complete 100-years next year.

    “The question is whether it completes its 100 years with gender neutrality or not!”, the bench observed.

  • Supreme Court allows women to take NDA exam, slams Indian Army for ‘gender discrimination’

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday in an interim order has allowed women to take the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam scheduled for September 5 and has also slammed the Indian Army for the decisions that are based on “gender discrimination”.

    A Bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Hrishikesh Roy ordered that female candidates can sit for the NDA exam on September 5 but the admissions will be subject to the outcome of the petition. The Bench posted the matter for hearing on September 8 and asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to advertise the court’s order widely.

    The top court slammed the government and Army for not allowing women to take part in NDA exams. As Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appearing for the government and Indian Army told the Bench that it’s a policy decision not to allow women to take the NDA exam, the Bench said that this policy decision is based on “gender discrimination”.

    “It’s a policy decision which is based on gender discrimination. We direct the Centre and Army to take a constructive view of the matter…,” the Bench said expressing displeasure on “regressive mindset”.

    As the ASG said there are three modes of entry in the Army- NDA, Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) and that women are permitted entry through OTA and IMA. To which the Bench asked why women’s entry is allowed only through two sources.

    “And even if it is a matter of policy, you are allowing women’s entry through two sources. Why should you say the one more additional source of entry is closed for women? It is not just a gender principle but discriminatory otherwise also,” it added.

    Don’t compel judicial intervention all the time, said the apex court while slamming the Indian Army for not giving opportunities to women.

    “How can you continue to plead the same thing… This has been my impression right from the High Court that till a judgment is passed, the Army doesn’t believe in doing anything voluntarily. It’s like Army will act only when judicial orders will be passed,” observed Justice Kaul.

    The Bench added, “It’s a question of mindset which is not changing. That’s why despite so many opportunities in the Supreme Court and High Court, we couldn’t persuade the government. Every time the order has come from the court, it has expanded the scope.”

    We are permitting the girls who have approached the court to sit for the NDA examination because we will be considering the larger issue, it said further while giving interim order.

    When the ASG Bhati sought to submit that women have been conferred Permanent Commission in the Army, Justice Kaul remarked, “You (Army) kept on opposing it and till orders were not passed, you didn’t do anything. The Navy and the Airforce are more forthcoming. The Army seems to have a bias to not implement.”

    The court’s order came on a plea seeking directions to allow eligible female candidates to join the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at par with the men. The plea filed by advocate Kush Kalra stated that denial of opportunity to women candidates to enrol at the NDA is violative of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution.

    Senior advocate Chinmoy Pradip Sharma, appearing for Kalra, told the Bench that the government has filed its affidavit and they say it is purely a policy decision and should not be interfered with by the court and that because girls are not allowed to enter into NDA does not mean there is any difficulty in their progression or in their career.

    Earlier, the Bench had also issued a notice in an impleadment application by a woman candidate Anita, who was denied an opportunity to enrol at the NDA. Anita said she had to give up her aspirations to join the Armed Forces.

    The plea said stated that the eligible and willing female candidates being denied the opportunity of entry to the National Defence Academy “on the basis of their sex and thereby systematically and categorically excluding eligible female candidates” the opportunity to train at the premier joint training institute of the Indian Armed Forces which, at a later point of time, becomes a hurdle in the career advancement opportunities for Female Officers in the Armed Forces.

    The petition was filed in light of the directions issued by the top court on the extension of Permanent Commission to Short Service Commissioned women officers of the Indian Army.

    The plea said, “After the passing of the judgment in the matter of Secretary, Ministry of Defence vs Babita Puniya by this Court, Permanent Commission has been extended to the Women Officers of the Army.

    However, there is still no mode of entry available to female candidates to join the Armed Forces as Permanent Commission Officers. In the present state of affairs, female candidates have to apply through the appropriate mode of entry into the Armed Forces as a Short Service Commissioned Officer and after serving for a certain period of time, have the option to opt for Permanent Commission.”

    It added that granting Permanent Commission to the Short Service Commission Women Officers is only half a measure to restore equality of opportunity in the Army.

    “The categorical exclusion of women to train at the National Defence Academy and get commissioned into the Armed Forces of the Country as Permanent Commissioned Officers solely on the basis of their sex is a denial of the Fundamental Right to Practice any Profession and it is not justifiable within the contours of the Indian Constitution,” it added.

    The government allows unmarried male candidates having adequate 10+2 qualification to take the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination, however, eligible and willing female candidates are not allowed to take this examination on the sole ground of their sex and without any reasonable or justifiable explanations, the petitioner contended.

  • Jointness of three armed forces important amid changing nature of war: Navy chief Karambir Singh

    By PTI
    PUNE: Naval Chief Admiral Karambir Singh on Saturday said the nature of war is changing where there is a need to engage adversaries in all domains like land, sea, air, space and cyber, and stressed on the increased importance of “jointness” among the country’s three services.

    Admiral Singh was speaking at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla here after reviewing the Passing Out Parade of the 140th course of the academy.

    “The nature of war is changing and it is important to engage adversaries in all domains, like land, sea, air, space and cyber. It is for this reason that the jointness among the three services is far more important than in the past,” he said.

    The armed forces are seeing landmark defence reforms with the establishment of the Department of Military Affairs, institution of Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) and soon to be formed theatre commands, the Navy chief said.

    “Traditions, identity, uniforms and customs of each service matter as do the requirements generated by the distinctive role of the three services. But jointness in the armed forces is paramount for more synergised and effective application of force in today’s complex battlefield.”

    ALSO READ| Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh performs push-ups with National Defence Academy cadets

    The NDA has been a symbol of jointness for 72 years and its existence enforces the core values of jointmanship, which are the founding principles of the academy, Admiral Singh said.

    “All of you must remember that no matter how future warfare evolves, few personal abilities and attributes remain the key for effective leadership. Leadership, as you know is the essence of an officer,” he said in his address to the cadets.

    Admiral Singh, an alumnus of the NDA’s 56th course, arrived at his alma mater on Friday, after which he visited his parent squadron “H” (Hunter Squadron) and interacted with the cadets.

    He presented a memento for the squadron to the cadets, an official statement said.

    During his visit, the Navy chief got down on his hands and did push-ups with the cadets, as is the tradition followed in the squadron, it said.

    The entire staff of the Admiral, NDA Commandant and other officers present there also joined him, the statement added.

  • Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh performs push-ups with National Defence Academy cadets

    By PTI
    PUNE: It was a passing-out parade at the National Defence Academy (NDA) here like every year, but Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh decided to push the envelop a little further when he did push-ups with cadets.

    He was at the NDA on Friday to review the passing-out parade of its 140th course.

    Pictures of the Navy chief doing push-ups with cadets soon went viral on social media, wowing netizens.

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh doing Squadron Type Push Ups at NDA. Giving serious competition to the young cadets! #FitnessGoals pic.twitter.com/tniHbU2BEc
    — PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence (@proudhampur) May 28, 2021

    “It was the CNS who initiated the push-ups with cadets and we all joined in,” said NDA Commandant Lt Gen Asit Mistry.