Armed Forces facing shortage of 11,116 officers

NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces are facing an overall shortage of over 11,000 officers with the Army facing the maximum shortfall, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply, Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar said Army is facing shortage of 9,642 as on January 1. He said the increase in shortage is due to increase in authorised strength.

Similarly, Navy is facing shortage of 1,322 officers and the Air Force 152 as on January 1. The total comes to 11,116. He clarified that the figures do not include shortage in medical and dental branches.

He said the government has taken various steps to make jobs in Armed Forces attractive. These include implementation of the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission with improved pay structure, additional accomodation through married accomodation project and improvement in promotion prospects.