- The Indian citizens will be vociferous and vouch in unison about their profound appreciation while describing the armed forces. Yes, the sacrifices, bravery, and unflinching commitment to guard the motherland’s borders with honesty, integrity, focus, determination, and unconditional grit are unparalleled. The nation wholeheartedly appreciates every contribution made by the unknown soldiers to keep us safe while undergoing tremendous challenges. Of course, ask any soldier about what makes him/her discharge their responsibilities with such motivation, devotion, and high morale, the answer will be a simple nonchalant shrug of the shoulders denoting what’s such a big deal about it. Anything for the cause of the nation and the motherland, you see.
PC: Freepik
- However, as the modern-day world evolves on the back of technological advancements, present-day warfare tactics and strategies too have undergone tremendous changes. Keeping in line with the changing times, Indian armed forces have undertaken some measures including the promotion policies to not only streamline the fighting forces to remain prepared for any eventualities but also to keep the morale of the personnel high as well. As reported recently, in a big move for the army, a new promotion policy is being rolled out for lieutenant generals that will be based on merit rather than seniority. Remember, seniority in the armed forces is always given primacy though a few instances of merit gaining traction have been recorded in the past.
PC: Times Now
- The new system comes into force from Mar 31 and will be applicable for selection of the serving Lt-Gens for top-level appointments in the impending integrated theatre commands and tri-service establishments. Joint theatre commands are a much-needed reform of the Indian military that needs to be responsive to 21st-century security challenges. Therefore, a promotion policy that helps operationalize this change is welcome. There can be no arguments against promoting meritocracy in senior ranks of the army. But where there is a niggle is that measuring meritocracy in the forces can be a politically subjective exercise. This is not a small concern that can be ignored. As it is there are talks of other institutions getting diluted by rampant political interference.
PC: SSBCrack
- Further, it is still not clear whether the new promotion policy will apply to the selection of the army vice-chief and seven commanders-in-chief; this would be logical. As per existing policy, promotion to commander-in-chief level is based purely on seniority. The argument against the new policy is that officers who become Lt-Gens are assessed on merit every step of the way. Thus, a three-star general already possesses all the credentials to take on the highest responsibilities within the army. Going by seniority at this stage insulates promotions from external interference and adheres to the professional ethos of the army. But that doesn’t mean Lt-Gens can’t be promoted on merit. GOI should trade cautiously without hurting the inherent ethos of the army.
