A significant parliamentary review of women's inclusion in combat positions within the Indian Armed Forces, alongside critical assessments of defence infrastructure and modernization efforts, has been scheduled for the upcoming year. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, under the leadership of BJP Lok Sabha member Radha Mohan Singh, has identified 18 crucial subjects for detailed examination during the 2025-26 session.
Key Focus Areas for Defence Review
The committee's agenda spans personnel, policy, and operational matters that have been priority areas for both the Indian military and the Ministry of Defence in recent years. The induction of women in combat roles stands as one of the most anticipated topics, given the current restrictions that prevent women from joining core combat arms like the Infantry, Armoured Corps, and Mechanised Infantry.
Currently, women officers serve in combat support arms such as the Corps of Engineers, Regiment of Artillery, and Corps of Signals across all services. However, the Corps of Military Police remains the only wing that inducts women as soldiers, highlighting the significant gap in frontline combat participation.
Comprehensive Defence Infrastructure Assessment
Beyond personnel policies, the committee will conduct a thorough review of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and its performance in developing infrastructure in strategic border locations. This examination comes at a crucial time as India continues to strengthen its border defence capabilities amid ongoing regional security challenges.
The panel will also evaluate the progress toward self-reliance and modernization of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), assessing how effectively these organizations are contributing to India's defence manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the status of various projects under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will come under scrutiny to ensure timely completion and technological advancement.
Broader Personnel and Operational Reforms
The committee's extensive agenda includes reviewing and assessing personnel training methodologies across the defence services, ensuring that military training evolves to meet contemporary security challenges. Another critical area of focus will be the grievance redressal mechanism in defence services, aiming to improve the systems through which military personnel can address concerns and complaints.
The selection of these 18 subjects demonstrates Parliament's comprehensive approach to defence oversight, covering everything from human resource policies to technological advancement and strategic infrastructure development. The examinations are scheduled to begin in the 2025-26 parliamentary session, with findings expected to influence significant policy decisions in India's defence establishment.
This parliamentary initiative represents one of the most thorough defence reviews in recent years, potentially paving the way for historic changes in women's participation in combat roles while simultaneously strengthening India's overall defence preparedness through infrastructure and technological modernization.
