Changes mulled in promotion policy for armed forces

The government is contemplating changes to the promotion system in the armed forces, especially that of the army, to bring in more transparency.
Arguing that the present system of promotion to higher grade, or the ranks of Brigadier and above, has its own logic, defence sources, however, said that there is room for improvement too.
Sources also said that "seniority alone" may not be the correct method for selection to the higher ranks and that there should be a stress on both seniority and merit.
"However, checks and balances would also have to be put in place to ensure that there is no interference by any other party than the armed forces themselves," the sources added.

The "loud thinking" began after defence ministry received a slew of complaints regarding certain promotions in the recent past.
"When we looked into the complaints, some were found to be bogus. But complaints indicate that there is room for more transparency," the sources said.

Citing an example, the sources said one should not be a confirming officer for certain ranks and also a member of the Board that sits to select the people to those ranks.
Sources said it is necessary to not only be clean but also appear clean.
The armed forces at present follow a pyramidal structure for promotions. While at the bottom, there are a number of officers, the numbers are narrowed as they go up.