Mon Jan 13 16:31:19 UTC 2025: ## Army Chief Defends Women Officers Amidst Internal Criticism
**New Delhi** – The Indian Army is moving forward with plans to significantly increase the number of women officers, despite internal concerns raised by a senior commander. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi dismissed a leaked five-page letter from Lt Gen Rajeev Puri, a Corps Commander, which criticized the performance of women officers in his command. Gen Dwivedi stated that women officers are performing “exceedingly well” and that the Army is aiming for a twelve-fold increase in women officer induction by 2032.
Lt Gen Puri’s letter, which has prompted a court of inquiry into its unauthorized release, cited issues such as a perceived lack of tact, empathy, and a tendency towards complaints among some female commanders. He also noted an increase in officer management problems within units led by women.
Gen Dwivedi acknowledged the letter but characterized it as a “perception,” emphasizing that the Army’s appointment of women to command roles followed a Supreme Court order. He highlighted the success of women officers in various roles, including at the Staff College and in aviation, asserting that the Army seeks “strong” women officers. While praising their performance, he also stressed the importance of maintaining a gender-neutral approach. The Army currently has women officers commanding units in forward locations across various commands, including the North and East.
First Piper 