INS Chilka, India’s basic training campus for Agniveers in Odisha, is ready to get restructured to welcome the first batch of women Agniveers. The Navy is establishing a vast number of facilities that will assist 600 women to achieve their training efficiently while making their life easier, said an official.

Indian Navy Getting Ready To Welcome First Women Agniveers Batch

The establishment is getting ready with several facilities including introducing two new blocks for the trainees with sanitary pad vending and disposal machines installed, also two separate dining areas, moreover exclusively women staff are hired for their support. All these facilities are instituted to make training establishments women-friendly, said Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Head of Southern Naval Command.

Southern Naval Command, Headquartered in Kochi, is responsible for the complete spectrum of the training regime and the facilities provided.

“Specific changes have been made to cater to different needs of women trainees, including privacy. We took inputs from serving women officers to understand those needs before initiating the changes at INS Chilka,” said Vice Admiral.

Also asserted that the Navy has been inducting women for three decades now, but this will be the very first time that Women are going to be welcomed as Sailors.

Around One Million Applicants For Agniveers

Around one million applicants, also including 82,000 women, this time has applied for the Indian Navy under the Agnipath scheme model. After being recruited under this scheme the applicants will be called Agniveers.

Under the Agnipath model, the applicants will be competing for 3000 jobs in the Indian Navy, with a 20% expectation meaning 600 seats for women in the first batch.

“Other changes at INS Chilka include setting up of more toilets for women trainees, installation of security cameras and hiring women as matrons, swimming instructors and safai karamcharis,” a senior official said.

“While women trainees will have separate residential and dining areas, they will carry out all academic and training activities alongside their male counterparts,” further said.