NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is set for the biggest transformation in its recent history, according to authoritative sources and plan details accessed by TOI. The restructuring could begin as early as March-April.
The proposals include setting up of a Strategic Command, comprising of Army's offensive capabilities, abandoning many existing administrative structures and thinning down of headquarters at all levels. Taken together, this is said to be the most radical organization change that the Indian Army has seen.
The proposals are part of a 'transformation study' done by a high-level team under Army chief Gen V K Singh when he was heading the Eastern Command. A dependable Army source said the plan is now set to be rolled out. A defence ministry source said the ministry would go along with the proposed reforms.
The last such transformation was almost 30 years ago, which resulted in the Army's mechanization in a major way. The new proposals are more path-breaking, said Army sources.
The proposals include setting up of a Strategic Command, comprising of Army's offensive capabilities, abandoning many existing administrative structures and thinning down of headquarters at all levels. Taken together, this is said to be the most radical organization change that the Indian Army has seen.
The proposals are part of a 'transformation study' done by a high-level team under Army chief Gen V K Singh when he was heading the Eastern Command. A dependable Army source said the plan is now set to be rolled out. A defence ministry source said the ministry would go along with the proposed reforms.
The last such transformation was almost 30 years ago, which resulted in the Army's mechanization in a major way. The new proposals are more path-breaking, said Army sources.
One of the most critical proposals is the creation of a Strategic Command, under which the three Strike Corps would be brought together.
Jaipur may host Strategic Command
A subsidiary study underway is presently debating where to locate the Strategic Command.
Currently, two options are being considered — to convert either the Jaipur-based South-Western Command or the Pune-based Southern Command into the Strategic Command. Once a final decision is taken, areas under the army commands would be redistributed. Sources indicate that Jaipur looks to be the most suitable location.
The South-Western Command in Jaipur was set up in 2005, with a part of the Western and Northern Commands being carved out to create the new command. Creation of the new Strategic Command would mean the Army would go back to having five commands with operational areas under them, apart from the Army Training Command and the new Strategic Command.
The Strategic Command would also have a new addition, a proposed Mountain Strike Corps meant specifically for the China border. The proposal for country's first mountain strike corps is presently awaiting approval of the cabinet committee on security.
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