New Delhi: In a major development, the Defence Ministry has invited applications for granting Permanent Commission (PC) to Women Officers in the Indian Army. ALSO READ | After 14 Yrs Of Litigation, Govt Sanctions Permanent Commission To Women Officers In Indian Army

The Indian Army Headquarters under the Ministry of Defence has issued detailed instructions for submission of applications as per which, candidates have been asked to submit their application forms, option certificate and other documents to Army Headquarters by August 31, 2020.

In an official statement released on Tuesday August 4, Ministry of Defence said that "Consequent to the receipt of formal Government Sanction Letter for grant of Permanent Commission (PC) to Women Officers in Indian Army, the Army HQ is in the process of convening a Special Number 5 Selection Board for screening women officers for grant of PC."

"Women Officers who have joined the Indian Army through the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) and Short Service Commission Women (SSCW) are being considered and all of them have been instructed to submit their application forms, option certificate and other related documents to Army HQ not later than 31 August 2020," the circular further read.

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As part of the process, the authorities have issued a detailed administrative instructions to all affected women officers giving out guidelines for submission of applications for consideration by the Board. Specimen formats and detailed checklists have been included in the administrative instructions in order to facilitate correct documentation.

Due to the prevailing restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 situation, multiple means of dissemination of instructions have been adopted to ensure that these documents reach all affected women officers on priority. The Selection Board will be scheduled immediately after receipt and verification of applications.