The implementation of Phase II of the report that recommended creation of the additional posts will ensure quicker promotions to army, navy and air force officers. The decision is also aimed at stemming the high rate of attrition among middle-rung officers from majors to colonels and their equivalents in the three services, which already face a shortage of about 13,000 officers, mostly in the middle-rung. The move will cost the exchequer Rs 8.44 crore annually.
The instructions were issued recently on the basis of a Cabinet decision in October this year to implement the phase II of the Ajai Vikram Singh Committee recommendations for cadre restructuring in the forces, allowing for greater promotional avenues for officers.
Internal simmering in the army has come to a boil after the government tries to retain a discriminatory promotions policy.
'We have to cut down on manpower to make more for equipment,' Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat tells Ajai Shukla.