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`Women being encouraged to join armed forces'

New Delhi: Insisting that there is no bias against women in the armed forces, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sundaysaid women 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 women officers," Mr. Mukherjee told NDTV amid 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 we like to encourage them to come (into the armed forces)," he said.

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

Last week, Vice-Chief of the Army Staff Lt.Gen. S. Pattabiraman reportedly said the Army could do without women. His remarks came after a lady officer committed suicide in Jammu. - PTI

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