NewDelhi: In a major departure towards merit based promotions, the Indian Army has framed a new promotion policy for Lieutenant Generals which will come into force from March 31, 2025. The policy has the overall objective to improve the selection methods for the senior officers especially with regard to the key positions in the theatre commands and other significant positions.
As part of the new regulation, new forms for the annual confidential reports of Lieutenant Generals will be developed. This seems to be a very positive change that should increase the transparency and performance –based evaluation of the officers. However it is also key to note that this policy will not hold true to the Deputy Chief of Army staff who is ranked a Lieutenant General as well as the commanders of six operational commands, and one training command while they are ranked Lieutenant Generals.
The Present strength of Indian Army has over 1.1 million personnel; about 90 Lieutenant Generals, 300 Major Generals and 1200 Brigadiers. The new promotion policy conforms to other promotion systems that exist in the Indian Air Force and Navy whereby the various aircraft’s rank with evaluation processes.
Before, there has been no performance-based promotion for individuals holding the rank of Lieutenant General. Now, an officer will be rated on a 1-9 scale in several attributes to do more with merit than the rank of the officer. This change is expected to provide young officers with the chance to move up the rank within the organisation.
This policy comes at the right time as the Indian Army is planning to form three theatre commands on China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean. The ultimate aim is to have a co-ordinate and efficient system for warfare and, in turn, enhancing the Indian defence system.
This new promotion policy is a testimony to the regenerated and transforming indicators of Indian Army where leadership vacancies are being offered to the deserving and competent performers exclusively and evidently.
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