New Delhi, Feb 2 (Reporter) Stating that several steps have been taken by the government to encourage women to join the armed forces, the Government on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that women officers are also being considered for command appointments. In a written reply, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt stated, "Women Officers are being considered for Colonel (Select Grade) ranks and are being given Command appointments. Certain waivers have also been given to rule out any impediment in career progression of those who could not undergo mandatory career courses during the transition period". He informed that entry of women as Agniveers has also commenced in all the three Services. The MoS for Defence said that women officers were being granted permanent commission in 12 Arms and Services and they are also being appointed onboard warships in afloat billets and also as Special Naval Air Operation (NAO) officers in the Indian Navy. Bhat stated that the experimental scheme to induct women officers in all combat roles, initiated by the IAF in 2015 was regularized in 2022 into a permanent scheme. Moreover, the Minister informed that the government had also opened entry for women candidates in the National Defence Academy (NDA)...////...