In a bid to push for the A.V. Singh Committee report, which had made far-reaching recommendations, Air Headquarters has sent some amendments to the Defence Ministry. It is understood that the IAF has sought approval for restructuring their ranks by introducing a senior and junior wing commander in the service. Air Headquarters has also suggested that all non-flying IAF branches be merged to rationalise ranks and ensure that there are greater growth prospects for officers serving in administration, accounts or meteorological branches.It is learnt that both proposals have been approved by the finance wing of the Defence Ministry. However, South Block has written to IAF seeking further clarifications on both proposals before it is cleared by Defence Ministry.Incidentally, expectations within the Service Headquarters have also risen with the appointment of Ajay Vikram Singh as the Defence Secretary, who had chaired the committee as an additional secretary in the ministry. Earlier, Singh had stated that the Defence Ministry was taking a fresh look at the recommendations.Implementation of the panel’s recommendations has been pending for nearly two years. Earlier, then defence minister George Fernandes had sent the recommendations to the three services for a review and had also accepted them partly in principle.The A.V. Singh Committee had recommended younger field commanders and quicker promotions. However, the IAF had raised objections to some recommendations and pointed out it was not in a position to appoint wing commanders at 13 years as suggested by the committee.
