A senior army officer has voiced concerns about women officers in key command roles, particularly in the eastern sector, in a letter addressed to Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari. The letter, authored by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri, spans five pages and raises issues related to unit dynamics, leadership challenges, and interpersonal conflicts under the command of women officers.
Puri’s letter highlights what he perceives as shortcomings in the management styles of some women officers, citing complaints about an alleged lack of empathy, over-ambition, and a tendency to escalate grievances. He expressed that these factors have led to increased stress within units and a strained command atmosphere. Additionally, the letter touches on the perception of insufficient tact and understanding among certain women officers in addressing the personal needs of unit personnel, with an emphasis on conflict resolution sometimes taking precedence over fostering mutual respect.
The letter further alleges instances of resource overuse and undue credit-taking by some women officers, while also criticizing others for a lack of initiative. To address these concerns, Puri proposed adopting a focus on “gender neutrality” instead of striving solely for “gender equality” in military assignments.
This correspondence has sparked a strong response, with women officers expressing disappointment and labeling the remarks as reflective of entrenched gender biases. Critics argue that the letter undermines the significant strides women have made in the military. Despite these concerns, Puri acknowledged complaints from women officers about their authority being undermined but described these issues as “minor” compared to the challenges faced by male officers.
The letter emerges at a pivotal moment for the Indian Army, which recently appointed women to command roles for the first time in its history following a landmark 2023 Supreme Court ruling. Women are now leading units in operational areas, including critical sectors along the northern and eastern borders with China.
In his letter, Puri also pointed to allegations of female commanding officers demanding excessive deference from subordinates and stressed the importance of adopting consultative leadership styles. He called for revisions to training programs and policies to enhance command capabilities and ensure truly gender-neutral practices across the military.
The Indian Army’s decision to grant women permanent commissions in 2020 paved the way for their promotion to higher ranks, including select-grade colonel positions, as part of broader efforts to promote gender parity. Despite these advancements, women in the armed forces still face barriers, including restrictions on serving in direct combat roles. Puri’s remarks have reignited debates about the challenges of integrating women into leadership roles and the cultural shifts necessary to support their success.
