Women Officers Perform 'Exceedingly Well,' Says Army Chief, Contesting Lt General's Comment Criticising Them

Recently, at the annual press conference, Indian Army Staff Chief General Upendra Dwivedi came out in strong support of women officers, asserting that they perform "exceedingly well" in their roles. The statement came as a direct challenge to the recent criticism levelled by a senior Lieutenant General who recently questioned the capabilities of women in combat positions. Let’s delve into the details through this article.

"Army To Increase Posts For Female Officers," Says Chief

Chief said that the force wants to increase the number of women officers, considering that they are performing exceptionally well. Earlier, Eastern Army Commander Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari reportedly received a five-page long letter from Lt General Rajeev Puri stating multiple issues in concern with the Army units commanded by women officers in the eastern sector.

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Annual Press Conference#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS today addressed the media at the Manekshaw Centre, #NewDelhi. He declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ for the #IndianArmy and addressed key issues of Security, Modernisation and the pivotal role… pic.twitter.com/DafKQs0DqQ

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Addressing the incident at the press conference, the chief said, “The letter which got leaked out, shouldn't have gotten leaked out. A court of inquiry has been ordered about it. It is a perception, it is his perception. He has all the right to give out that perception and comment… It is an internal communication.” He also continued to mention that the women officers are doing an incredible job which has led the force to consider the recruitment of more females in the army.

Annual presser of Army Chief begins https://t.co/0dxAHBwIuv pic.twitter.com/zMKnR6re7E

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 13, 2025

He stated, “Today, I just wish to assure you, women officers were doing exceedingly well… Today, there are approximately 16 women officers who are doing Staff College.” He added that there is a need for a strong woman officer embodying “Kaali Mata Ka Roop.”

These statements are being considered as the chief challenging Lt Puri’s letter which allegedly mentioned, “During the last one year, there has been an increase in the number of officer management issues in units commanded by women officers.”

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Image Credits: X (Twitter)/Sidhant Sibal