The Indian Army is reportedly thinking to finalise the proposal to reduce its personnel strenght and cut 1.5 lakh jobs over the next four to five years in an attempt to boost its capital expenditure budget which will in turn be used to purchase modern weaponry.

The cadre review, ordered on June 21, covers wide-ranging issues including cutting the personnel strength of the 1.2-million strong Indian Army force and merger of different verticals to optimise its functioning, as reported by HT on August 13.

On June 21, the army ordered a cadre review which covers multiple issues related to the army personnel. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the reduction in the work-force will be done by revamping the verticals.

On September 1, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the acquisition of 6.5 lakh assault rifles, under the “Make in India” program. The Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the purchase of 7.62x39 square mm calibre assault rifles. The new rifles should have an effective range of 300 metres.

The assault rifles will be produced by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) as well as private sector companies. The deadline for submitting responses is September 24. Defence Ministry Begins Process for Army's Much-needed Assault Rifles.

The deal to procure these assault rifles would be over Rs 12,000 crore. The Army is looking to replace around 8 lakh Insas Rifles produced by the OFB.

According to reports, the procurement of weapon systems with lower general staff qualitative requirements (GSQRs) will give a boost to domestic defence manufacture companies. Boost to Military Arsenal as Government Approves Rs 15,935-Crore Purchase of Sniper Rifles, Light Machine Guns.

Earlier this year, the MoD had approved the procurement of 72,400 assault rifles of 7.62x51 square mm calibre for the frontline troops through a fast track procurement from the international market.

The entire deal would be of Rs 1,798 crore. The Army had also sent a nine-member delegation, led by a Brigadier-rank officer to five other countries. Currently, there are around 400 units of infantry serving in the most difficult parts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2018 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).