Monday, June 26 2006 10:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Insisting that there was no bias against women in the armed forces, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (June 25, 2006) said the members of the fair sex were being encouraged to join the defence services in large numbers.

He also said that no view had been taken at the 'decision-making' level on the issue of creating the post of Combined Defence Services.

"I can assure you (that) there is no bias against the women officers," Mukherjee told NDTV amid raging controversy over allegations that women in the defence forces are being discriminated against.

"We are proud of them (women). They are making valuable contributions and more and more we like to encourage them to come (into the armed forces)," he said.

On the issue of women being given combat role, the Defence Minister said "that depends upon their willingness, wishes. But it will be more hard work, there is no doubt in this." Mukherjee said, "The job will be more strenous, more hard work to put. But they are getting ready."

A controversy triggered about a week back after Vice Chief of Armed Forces Lt Gen S Pattabiraman reportedly said that Army could do without women. His remarks came after a woman Lieutenant committed suicide in Jammu, apparently because she was given some insignificant duties.