New Delhi, Oct 20 : Defence Minister A K Antony today said in the Lok Sabha that the Armed Forces are facing a shortage of 13,830 officers.

“There is a shortage of 11,119 officers in Army, 1,359 officers in Navy and 1,352 officers in Air Force. Armed Forces have 53,849 officers against a sanctioned strength of 67, 679,” Antony said.

The Defence Minister listed the various steps taken up to tackle the shortfall of officers by the government.

These steps include extension of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers, implementation of both phases of A V Singh Committee report and implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) report, he added.

“Tenure of SSC officers has been increased to 14 years; Phase 1 of A V Singh committee was implemented earlier, which resulted in upgrade of 750 Lieutenant-Colonel level posts to the Colonel level.

“Phase 2 of the report has also been cleared for implementation creating or upgrading 1,896 additional posts in ranks of Colonel, Brigadier, Major-General and Lieutenant-General and equivalents in other two services,” the Defence Minister said.

Antony said implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations will help in arresting shortfall of officers in the Armed Forces. (ANI)