Army vice-chief apologises for sexist remark

PUTTING TO rest the controversy sparked off by his comments on women in the army, Vice-Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant-General S. Pattabhiraman on Tuesday made an apology and said he had personal commitment to and respect for the role of lady officers.

PUTTING TO rest the controversy sparked off by his comments on women in the army, Vice-Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant-General S. Pattabhiraman on Tuesday made an apology and said he had personal commitment to and respect for the role of lady officers.

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In an exclusive interview to the Hindustan Times, Pattabhiraman had earlier said the army would like to have gentlemen officers and not lady officers. It had caused nationwide protests from women's groups.

"Should my remarks have caused any anguish or doubt about my personal commitment and healthy respect towards the role of lady officers, I have no hesitation in rendering an apology to such groups or sections of society or individuals," Pattabhiraman said.

He said it was unfortunate that the remarks ascribed to him had caused consternation and generated adverse publicity. He said he would like to place on record that women officers contributed as much as their male counterparts towards upholding the army's ethos.