We want more women to join Army, says Pranab

, Date:19/06/2006

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Special Correspondent

Kolkata: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Sunday the Government wanted more women to join the Army as officers, and any problem they may face would be tackled.

"We want more women to join. They are doing a very good job. If there are problems they will be taken care of."

Mr. Mukherjee was replying to newspersons' questions here on the steps being contemplated to tackle the increasing number of suicides reported from the Army ranks, including the recent death of Lieutenant Sushmita Chakraborty.

He said an inquiry had been ordered into the alleged suicide and steps to prevent such incidents would be taken on the basis of its findings.

"There is already a routine committee that looks into the factors leading to stress and strain-related problems among Army personnel. This needs to be strengthened," he said.

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