Indian Navy Proposes Change in Rank Nomenclature for Promoting Gender Neutrality

The Navy chief delivered his speech at the inauguration of a new administrative building of the Naval War College (NWC) in North Goa’s Verem. During the address, he highlighted the Indian Navy’s shift toward gender neutrality and conveyed optimism regarding a female naval chief taking over in the future.

As mentioned by news agencies, Adm. Kumar said they follow all roles and all ranks. Hoping that 30 to 35 years down the line, they can have a woman chief of naval staff addressing all.

He observed the role of a female commanding officer on a vessel based in Goa and the subsequent introduction of women sailors in the ranks. Addressing the rising demand for inclusive terminologies, he proposed new designations such as nausainik class I/nausainik class II to ensure gender neutrality in the rank titles. He said women can’t be seamen. He underscored the Navy’s commitment to aligning with Government policies and embracing the notion of women’s power or nari shakti in the force.

He emphasized the dedication of the Navy to supporting governmental policies and sustaining the idea of women’s power or nari shakti within the force. He further said that women are welcome in all spheres of the Navy, even as the marine commandos, provided they have the confidence, skills, competence, and ability to perform tasks as sailors. There are women in ranks for the first time since 2023, and in one year and a half, they have 1,124 women sailors.

They‘ll board the vessels soon, he declared. India’s Navy is getting rid of the colonial baggage. PM Modi declared last December that India’s Navy will Indianize the ranks for the personnel below officer (abbreviated as PBOR). Modi’s notification came amid his Navy Day speech at Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg, during which he declared that the senior officers would don epaulettes highlighting the legacy and heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—the founder of the large Maratha empire.

Admiral Kumar stressed the significance of honouring Indian heritage and shedding the colonial legacies that continue to be in the Navy. The effort is to move old things we inherited, colonial stuff, and bring pride based on viraasat or heritage, the chief of the Navy added.

Reference: Economic Times

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Source: Maritime Shipping News