Date:24/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/24/stories/2004092403151004.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Laudable

Sir, — The All India Democratic Women's Association's decision to move the apex court against the Army's recruitment procedure involving `intimate' physical examination of women candidates by male doctors is laudable. It is shocking that Surya Moudgil from Haryana lost the opportunity to get a job as a Lieutenant because she refused to subject herself to such examination. That the practice has been in vogue for a decade and no woman recruit has protested so far is unfortunate.

N.K. Vijayan,
Kizhakkambalam, Kerala

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Sir, — Ms. Moudgil's decision should be respected. The Army should be more sensitive to her demand so that women aspirants do not lose interest in joining the force because of such incidents.

J. Punitha,
Vellore, T.N.

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Sir, — While it is desirable for women candidates to be examined by women doctors, especially in the Indian context, a doctor should be considered only a doctor. The gender should not matter.

S. Vijay Jagadeesh,
Nagapatinnam, T.N.