NEW DELHI — Indian Army chief Gen. Dalbir Singh has ordered a study to increase the ratio of combat troops to noncombat troops with the aim to find more funds to buy weapons.
The 1.3 million-strong military uses more than 55 percent of its allocated funds to cover salaries, leaving it with less than 45 percent to buy weapons, a senior Army official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"Majority of the funds meant for buying fresh weaponry, in the Capital Head of the budget, are in fact consumed to pay for past contracts, leaving very little for fresh weapons and defense programs," the official said.
The study will find ways to improve the tooth-to-tail ratio (T3R) — the tail is the number of personnel required to support a combat soldier, or the tooth.
However, the plan to improve T3R is unlikely to materialize as the bureaucrats in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) may not allow cuts for noncombat soldiers, some of whom are civilians, according to a second Indian Army official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
"The study ordered by the Army chief could take six months and will be considered by the bureaucrats in the MoD," the official said.
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