Ministry resolves dispute over Gen-level ranks

However, ministry officials confirmed that a compromise had been worked out and the new recommendations would be sent for approval to the Cabinet next week. While details have not been disclosed, it is learnt that in the new recommendations, the number of new posts of all services has been scaled down.

Earlier, the Army had asked for 95 new Major General and Lieutenant General-level posts, the Navy for 23 new Vice-Admiral and Rear Admiral-level posts and the Air Force 38 new Air Marshal and Air Vice Marshal-level posts. An ugly spat broke out between the services last August over the allotment of new posts. While the Army insisted on lesser posts for the other services by saying that “additional ranks must be distributed on pro rata basis”, the Navy and Air Force stuck to their point for a substantial increase.

Defence Minister AK Antony himself had to intervene after things got out of hand due to a heated argument between the forces. He had then directed the service chiefs back to the drawing board to come up with a joint proposal and settle the matter at the Chiefs of Staff Committee.