In order to meet the shortage of pilots, the Union cabinet on Thursday extended the service tenure of women pilots and navigators of transport aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force from 10 to 14 years on an optional basis.
The extension of tenure would also apply to women personnel serving as short service commission officers in aeronautical engineering (electronic and mechanical) and non-technical ground duty branches besides those serving in administrative, accounts, education and meteorology beyond December, 2005.
"The scheme would help in improving cadre mobility into higher ranks for permanent commission officers as well as meet the shortfall in permanent cadre officers," an official release said, adding that the government move would benefit 795 officers in different branches of SSC.
By extending the benefit to Air Force women personnel, the government has now brought in uniformity to women officers serving in armed forces. The cabinet had earlier approved the extension in tenure of women personnel in Army and Navy.