Women will sail warships soon, says ENC chief

Visakhapatnam: Apropos Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wishes, Indian women will soon sail Naval warships working shoulder to shoulder with men. The issue is under discussion and the defence ministry is working out on a policy to ensure smooth sailing for women.

“We are trying to create an environment for women to sail and work on the ships. The living conditions in ships are entirely different. So now, we are modifying the ships and designing them as per the conditions required for women officers,” said Commander-in-Chief , Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral HCS Bisht.

Talking to reporters on board INS Shakti in connection with the Navy Day celebrations, the Vice-Admiral said a large number of women are on board aircrafts and other defence wings. The Air Traffic Control systems are mostly manned by women.

“The issue is very close to our hearts. The women will board soon,’’ the Vice-Admiral said.

Another officer said the Shivalik Class ships have been designed to accommodate women officers. INSV Mhadei is an all women crew driven sailing vessel. Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi is the first woman Skipper of Mhadei. The boat is crewed by Lieutenants P Swathi, Pratibha Jamwal (Air Traffic Control specialists), Vijaya Devi and Sub-Lieutenant Payal Gupta (both education officers). The sixth member of the crew, Lieutenant B Aishwarya is an engineer.