The Indian Army is cutting 150,000 jobs: All details here
The Indian Army is all set to cut as many as 150,000 jobs over the next four or five years. The job cuts come as part of an overarching cadre review that seeks to improve the army's efficiency and prepare it for future wars, reports the Hindustan Times. The final report of the review is expected to come in November. Here are the details.
Details of the ongoing cadre review
The cadre review, ordered on June 21, covers a wide range of issues pertaining to the Army's efficiency, ranging from merging different verticals to optimize functioning, to the cutting of personnel strength. The review is being carried out by an 11-member panel led by military secretary Lt. Gen JS Sandhu, and a preliminary presentation about the panel's proposals is expected by September end.
The need for the cadre review
"The line between verticals has got blurred, resulting in duplication of charters and associated manning. There is a definite case for reviewing the number of verticals with the aim of restructuring...[and] merging where necessary/possible...to arrive at economies of scale," read the cadre review order.
The rationalization operations will be carried out in phases
It's important to note that the merging of different verticals and rationalizing of personnel roles is going to come in phases. In other words, around 50,000 troops will be laid off in the next two years, while another 100,000 more personnel might be laid off by 2022-2023. Notably, the rationalization operations could significantly improve the Army's tooth-to-tail ratio.
Other issues the review panel is looking into
Downsizing apart, the cadre review covers several other issues. Among others, these include the Army's future needs, streamlining career progression of officers, the deficiency of officers in units, provisions governing leaving of service, etc. Reportedly, the review panel is considering scrapping the rank of brigadier to ensure smoother career progressions. Additionally, it is also considering replacing division headquarters with integrated brigades.
