In a significant step towards fostering synergy between the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Armed Forces, the second batch of 57 IPS Officer Trainees, accompanied by three Faculty Members from the prestigious Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, embarked on a visit to the hallowed grounds of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.

The visit, themed under “Nation Building: Fostering & Strengthening Synergy”, was aimed at facilitating greater understanding, collaboration, and cooperation between the IPS and the Indian Army, two vital pillars of India’s national security architecture.

This initiative, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, seeks to promote cross-domain understanding and collaboration among different branches of the Indian government responsible for safeguarding the nation’s interests.

During their visit, the IPS Officer Trainees were given a comprehensive tour of the sprawling campus and state-of-the-art training infrastructure of the Indian Military Academy. From the iconic Chetwode Hall to the picturesque Drill Square, the Officer Trainees were acquainted with the rich legacy and traditions that define the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces.

Furthermore, the IPS Officer Trainees had the opportunity to interact closely with Officer Cadets undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy.

These interactions facilitated the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the realm of nation-building, security management, and law enforcement. Discussions ranged from counter-terrorism operations to disaster management, emphasizing the importance of coordination and collaboration in addressing contemporary security challenges.

The visit also provided a platform for the IPS Officer Trainees to gain insights into the training methodologies, leadership principles, and values instilled in future officers of the Indian Army. Through seminars, presentations, and interactive sessions, the Officer Trainees delved into topics such as leadership, discipline, and ethics, which are integral to both the IPS and the Indian Armed Forces.

In addition to the academic and training aspects, the visit underscored the camaraderie and spirit of brotherhood that binds members of the uniformed services together. It served as a reminder of the shared commitment towards the greater cause of national security and public service, transcending organizational boundaries and affiliations.

The interaction between the IPS Officer Trainees and the Officer Cadets at the Indian Military Academy was not only educational but also inspirational. It exemplified the spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and unity in diversity that are essential for building a strong and resilient nation.

As the IPS Officer Trainees bid farewell to the Indian Military Academy, they carried with them valuable insights, experiences, and memories that will shape their future roles as guardians of law, order, and national security.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and coordination, paving the way for a safer, more secure, and prosperous India.

In a significant departure from traditional promotion norms, the Indian Army has introduced a new Human Resources (HR) policy aimed at retaining domain specialists within its ranks.

The policy, which came into effect on January 1, 2024, seeks to promote domain specialization by allowing officers to continue working in specialized fields such as AI, space, IT, nano-technology, robotics, and weapons design, even after reaching higher ranks.

One of the early beneficiaries of this groundbreaking reform is Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Bansod, affectionately known as India’s very own Colonel Kalashnikov. Lt Col Bansod has garnered acclaim for designing and developing a revolutionary weapon – the ‘Asmi’ 9 mm carbine. With the Asmi already in limited series production, Lt Col Bansod’s expertise and innovation promise to revolutionize India’s defence capabilities.

Under the previous promotion policy, officers like Lt Col Bansod often faced the dilemma of transitioning to command or administrative roles, potentially sidelining their specialized skills and expertise.

However, with the implementation of the new HR policy, Lt Col Bansod received his long-awaited promotion orders on February 12, 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Promotions in the Indian Army are typically based on factors such as rank, experience, service duration, and performance. Officers can ascend to the rank of Colonel through either time-scale promotion or selection grade promotion.

Time-scale promotions entail completing at least 26 years of commissioned service, while selection grade promotions involve merit-based assessments and examinations.

The new policy offers officers like Lt Col Bansod the opportunity to continue working within their specialized domains upon reaching the rank of Colonel, deviating from the traditional transition to command positions. However, officers opting to remain in specialized roles forfeit eligibility for additional career courses such as senior command or higher command.

Furthermore, officers specializing in niche fields will be evaluated after two years to determine whether further extension in their specialized roles is warranted. In the event of non-extension, officers will be reassigned to other staff roles commensurate with the rank of Colonel.

The introduction of this policy stems from the recognition that retaining specialized talent is crucial for enhancing the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness. The premature departure of officers from specialized roles often resulted in a void that adversely impacted the Army’s overall operational needs.

The success of the new policy in retaining specialized talent will be closely monitored by the Indian Army over a three-year period, with the aim of ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining operational readiness and excellence. As the Indian Army continues to adapt to evolving challenges, initiatives like these underscore its commitment to fostering innovation and expertise within its ranks.