NO

RIGHT TO SERVE 

Women are just as professional and hardworking as men. As far as physical strength is concerned, the right training will give them the ability to take up combat roles and break the stereotype in this male-dominated domain. A woman has as much a right to serve her nation as a man; they have done it in the past and, given a fair chance, they have the ability to prove themselves in the future too.

Jayanti Bhatter,

St Xavier's College, Calcutta

During trials for entry into the defence services, most men are not found fit for it. Only a handful are selected and have to undergo rigorous training before they get a commission. Following the same strategy, women can also be trained to make them fit for defence services.

Amit Kumbhakar,

Ashutosh College, Calcutta

Entry of women in the defence services will help soldiers devise unique strategies and give the nation a tactical edge over its enemies.

Soumyadyuti Nandy,

IIEST, Shibpur, Calcutta

This view reflects gender stereotyping. Once we realise that men and women are equals, it will be simple to realise that human endurance, physical and mental fitness, dedication, discipline and determination are human qualities which both men and women can strive to achieve.

Utsav Biswas,

Jadavpur University, Calcutta

Women should be given equal chance in defence services just like it's done in any other profession. They can be of great help to the country by dint of their strong will power, optimistic attitude and hard work.

Meghraj Chakraborty,

Class X, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Calcutta

Women have excelled in all spheres, including education and sports. So women should get equal opportunity to prove their mettle.

Triparno Das,

Fourth year, MSIT

Most women may not be powerfully built, but when it comes to mental agility they are stronger than men. They can do anything because of their dedication and determination.

S.K. Shilpa,

Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Calcutta

YES

WEAKER SEX

A woman is an epitome of affection, tenderness and softness - signs of Venus. But the defence services are a thoroughly masculine affair that demands one be made of sterner stuff.

Shamoon Abrar,

BPPIT, Calcutta

Ground level participation in the defence forces requires heavy physical strain. Most women in India are not used to such heavy physical labour. So women should stay away from warfare.

Rik Banerjee,

Lalbaba College, Belur

Even though women have equal rights with men but they don't have the attributes required in the defence services. They have to work harder and sacrifice a lot.

Debarathi Sen,

Class X, Don Bosco, Park

Circus, Calcutta

If captured in the battlefield women can be subject to more inhuman torture. Hence they must avoid this.

Subhash Verma,

Calcutta University

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STUDENTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SIT IN EXAMS EVEN WITHOUT 75 PER CENT ATTENDANCE

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