Chief of Air Staff S. Krishnaswamy’s ‘deep selection policy’ in promotions has hit an air pocket with six senior officers, including three air vice-marshals, crying foul and filing statutory representations with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The IAF, however, insists it is going ahead with the policy, which has government clearance.Under the ‘deep selection policy,’ there is no automatic promotion for the senior-most officer even if he meets the minimum performance benchmark and is found physically fit.‘‘Now the merit criterion has been introduced wherein even the next three to four officers younger in age and service are considered and any of them could ultimately make the grade,’’ an Indian Air Force (IAF) spokesman said. Under this, an average of three eligible officers are considered for every available vacancy, with one chosen on merit basis.MoD sources say they have received the representations and these were being looked into. ‘‘Some have already been considered and appropriate decision taken,’’ highly placed sources in the MoD said, adding that similar systems were in operation in the Army and Navy.Krishnaswamy told The Indian Express the aim was to have younger commanders in the field for a longer duration of time. ‘‘What is the point of having an air marshal or air officer commanding-in-chief in office for barely one year in office. It does not do justice to the force. This merit based promotion policy is based on group of ministers directive,’’he said.
