New Delhi: With the government allowing permanent commission to women in select branches of the armed forces, Air chief Fali Homi Major today indicated the Services were open to the idea of career women officers in several other departments too.

"The government has agreed for permanent commission to women officers in certain branches of the three services. It is just a beginning. There will be many more branches in which (they) could be given permanent commission as we go along," Major told reporters here soon after taking salute at the 76th Air Force Day parade at Hindan near here.

"This is the first time, permanent commission has been introduced in the country for women officers. So let us give it a little time before we progress beyond what the government has given so far," he said.

In a path-breaking move, the government had on September 26 announced granting permanent commission to future batches of women officers -- a privilege enjoyed by men till then -- in select non-combat services of Army, Navy and Air Force such as Education Corps and Judge Advocate Branch.

With this, India will most likely have its first woman as a career officer in the armed forces by late 2009 or early 2010.

Since 1992, women have been entering the armed forces under a special entry scheme -- later converted to short service commission -- at the Chennai-based Officers Training Academy. Currently, there are about 2,500 women officers serving in the tri-services.
Source : PTI