• It is disturbing that no newspaper other than yours seems to adequately cover important issues concerning the welfare of women. But your reports have exposed just how some MPs tried to kill the Womens’ Reservation Bill. You have also shown how the government denies equality to women in the armed forces.

Women are not eligible for permanent commission in the Indian army and air force, they are compulsorily retired in the prime of their life, even though they have to prove to be equal to men in all respects. But the government has denied “any sort of discrimination” against women in court. The government counsel has stated that “women officers accepted the job knowing well the conditions of service from the outset” and added that “this is a policy matter”. Does that mean outdated policies should not be changed?

— Kamala Sundaresan

Pune

• Women commissioned officers have been serving in defence for the last 15 years. This was sufficient time for the military top brass to decide whether they were suitable for the tasks entrusted to them. If a woman officer has worked well, there is no reason why she should not be suitable for permanent commission. When there is a deficiency of commissioned officers, there is no justification for “retiring” trained and experienced women officers if they are willing to serve further.

There is a need to give a larger number of vacancies to women so that they can fulfil their aspirations and serve the nation by joining a field where many men are scared to tread.

... contd.