Odisha govt to consider appointment of women in Fire Service Dept as firefighters

Women will be considered for appointment in the Odisha Fire Services department as firefighters, informed Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday. 

According to CM Majhi, efforts will be made soon to appoint women in the Odisha Fire Service as firefighters instead of only men.

The Chief Minister gave the assurance to take steps in this regard soon while answering the question raised by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on why only men are getting appointed in Odisha Fire Service.

“Why there is gender disparity in Odisha Fire Service? When women are getting opportunities in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, why only men will be appointed in the Odisha Fire Service? It’s not fair at all. We should consider women in this service as well,” said Deputy CM Parida while addressing a conference on the recruitment of fire service personnel.

Read Also: CM Mohan Majhi reviews preparedness at BJP state office ahead of PM Modi's visit

In response, CM Majhi said, “Time has changed and women are capable of doing any kind of work. Why they will not be appointed in the Fire Service Department? I was asking about it to the department officials. It will be definitely considered in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, Fire Service DG Sudhansu Sarangi said that women could be considered for certain technical services in the department.

“There are many physical requirements in the Fire Service Department. However, there are certain technical services in which physical requirements are not needed. We could think of giving opportunities to women in those services. We should consider the modalities. At some places, the Fire Service department is giving appointments to women and we are giving necessary suggestions in this regard,” said Sarangi.