Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated in all over the country to remember the brave martyrs of Kargil war in 1999. The conflict claimed 500+ lives and wounded more than 1000. Some of the diamond soldiers were also lost during the conflict. Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on the success of operation Vijay which was the name given to the Kargil conflict for clearing the Kargil sector. Indian navy also geared operation Talwar in attempt to blockade the ports of Pakistan. The sacrifices of the braves led the infiltrators to retreat from Indian boundaries.
In a recent announcement made by our defense minister, the government is much close to take a big decision regarding the role of women in armed forces. Media reported that government is about to take some crucial decisions related to this, in next two months. The decision revolves around the construction of institute which will train the girls for getting commission in army. Currently, only 3298 women are serving as officer in Indian armed forces. The move will escalate the number of women in armed forces. The announcement was made while responding to the statement of Punjab chief minister indicating the lack of women officers in armed forces. Punjab government is completely involved in the construction of academy. Another announcement was made during addressing the gathering which made hike in the onetime cash grant for the three highest gallantry awards. This made the amount of 2crore, 1 crore and 50 lakhs to the awardees of Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra respectively, which was previously 30 lakhs, 20 lakhs and 15 lakhs.
Vijay Diwas was also marked with the demand of implementation of one rank one pension policy which will benefit the ex-serviceman and widows. The demand was made during the marathon organized in New Delhi on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. Ex-servicemen raised the demand of much awaited one rank one pension to make a uniform pension distribution for all ex-servicemen retired on different years.
Currently Indian army has a limited areas open for women. CAPF also has some vacancies for females. But the combat role in armed forces is still not finalized. In May this year, Defense Minister Manohar Parikar ruled out the decision for expanding the role of women in combat which is currently limited to some other operational areas. The safety of women in combat was the major reason behind the rule out. The situation of captivating women as prisoner during the war is a matter of concern for our nation.
The support to the role of women in military will increase the women empowerment in nation as currently various issues and problems are challenging their empowerment. Vijay divas, on 26th of July was seen very successfully celebrated all over the nation and raised the importance of armed forces in the victory of the Kargil war. Well, these announcements were a gift to those who pays a lot more for our mother land. They deserve salute and government must implement the OROP which is a right of the soldier.
Jai Hind!
