Date:02/08/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/08/02/stories/2002080203121300.htm

National

'Army hit by officer shortage'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI AUG. 1. The shortage of officers in the three armed services has crossed 14,000, the Lok Sabha was informed today. While the Army has reported a shortage of 12,554 officers, the deficiency levels in the Air Force and the Navy are 686 and 914, the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, said during question hour.

Recruitment had gone up substantially after the Kargil war but has slumped since then. While recruitment in 1998 and 1999 was 1,947 and 1782, in 2000 it rose to 2,335 but fell to 1,473 officers the next year. Mr. Fernandes attributed two major factors for the shortfall. First, although a good number of candidates pass through the written examination, they are unable to get through the Service Selection Board.

Second, the relatively risky and hazardous career in the Army compared to other available options has had a significant impact on the preference of potential aspirants. The committee examining the issue of restructuring the officers' cadre in the Army was yet to submit its report. No specific time frame could be indicated for the submission of the report, the Minister said.

However, the Government has taken several steps to attract more officers of the required mettle. It has decided to continue the `Image Projection Campaign' launched during 1997-98. The Army believes that the campaign had a positive impact on the availability and selection of candidates. Extensive publicity and recruitment drives have also been undertaken by the Air Force and the Navy. In addition, there will be an increased intake of 400 officers a year.

To another question, Mr. Fernandes admitted to brain drain from the Defence Research and Development Organisation in favour of Information Technology-based industries, both here and abroad. However, the trend has slowed down, partly due to incentives such as two additional increments and professional update allowance.

As many as 26 scientists had resigned this year while the figure for the preceding two years was 134 and 171. An incentive package to attract and retain young talent was pending with the Government.