Harnessing Nari Shakti: Women Soldiers, Sailors, Air Warriors Get Maternity, Childcare Perks On Par With Officers

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given his approval to a proposal that grants maternity, child care, and child adoption leave to women soldiers, sailors, and air warriors in the armed forces, bringing them in line with their officer counterparts.

"With the issuing of the rules, the grant of such leaves to all women in the military, whether one is an officer or any other rank, will be equally applicable," the Office of the Defence Minister said on X.

"The decision is in line with the RM’s (Raksha Mantri's) vision of inclusive participation of all women in the Armed Forces, irrespective of their ranks," the X post added.

Currently, women officers are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave with full pay for each child, up to a maximum of two children.

The extension of these leave rules is expected to address family and social issues specific to women in the armed forces.

The initiative aligns with the Centre's commitment, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to harness the potential of "Nari Shakti" (women power), and reflects a significant shift in the armed forces by integrating women as soldiers, sailors, and air warriors.