DEHRA DUN, June 24 — In an endeavour to offset shortage of officers in the Army, a 60 per cent increase in the capability of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) here is being undertaken.

The IMA Commandant, Lt-Gen Yuvraj Mehta, said today that by January 2001 the strength of the cadets undergoing pre-commission training at the IMA would be increased to about 1950.

General Mehta said that to overcome officer deficiency, short- term as well as long-term measures were being undertaken. As a short-term measure, the training period at the IMA had been reduced by six months while the long -term plan envisions increasing the intake of cadets.

Before these measures were put into effect, the IMA had a strength of about 1200 cadets. Already, with the measures being implemented, the strength of the IMA has currently increased to about 1500 cadets.

While the Indian Army has an authorised strength of 43,000 officers, its current officer strength is about 30,000. Though officers say that there is always a shortage of officers, with the officer strength being deficient by 5 - 8 per cent even during World War II, the current deficiency of 30 per cent has been ringing alarm bells. This deficiency is expected to be overcome in 8 - 10 years.

General Mehta, however, ruled out any dilution in standards and professionalism as a result of truncated training. ‘’Only some social and academic activities are being cut down,’’ the IMA Commandant said. ‘’Here we lay the foundation for producing a good officer and every professional aspect is covered.’’

Meanwhile, 475 Gentleman Cadets (GCs), including 17 foreign cadets, were commissioned as Lieutenants at an impressive passing out parade. These included 414 GCs of the 107 Regular Course of which 175 were alumni of the National Defence Academy.

The highlight of the ceremony was the passing out of 43 cadets of the First PCM Course. For this course, students of physics, mathematics and chemistry stream who have scored 70 per cent marks at the 10+2 level are called directly for SSB interview and selected cadets undergo a one year basic training at the IMA before being deputed to specialised technical units to further undergo a regular four-year degree course.

The passing out parade was reviewed by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Lt-Gen H.B. Kala, who also presented awards to cadets for outstanding performance during training.

Felicitating the outgoing cadets on being among the select few to have the honour of wearing the olive green and entering one of the most distinguished and exclusive organisations in the world, General Kala said that as young officers they were embarking on a very challenging and rewarding career.

‘’You will carry the sacred trust that the nation has reposed in you and get the opportunity and honour to lead the best soldiers in the world. Look after them and lead them well and victory will always be yours,’’ he said.

The ARTRAC chief said the Kargil war was a living testimony to the extraordinary leadership qualities of our young officers and their ability to inspire men against insuperable odds. ‘’Indeed, only the Indian officer could have achieved such an impossible feat. I am certain you will emulate the example of these brave men and bring glory to yourself, your regiment and the country,’’ he remarked.