Indian Navy has a shortage of 10,896 personnel, tells MoD

New Delhi: It has become a routine from one member of parliament to ask about the number of vacant seats in the armed forces and government answering the same with plain facts. What does not change is govt's stance on hiring more personnel. On Friday Ministry of Defence told parliament that the Indian Navy is reeling under a shortage of 10,896 personnel including 1,777 officers.

Responding to a question the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt stated that as of October 31, there are 9,119 vacant sailor positions in the Navy. Additionally, he mentioned that there is a shortage of 1,777 officers.

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The sanctioned strength of officers and sailors in the Navy is 11,979 and 76,649. Bhatt said a total of 323 officers were recruited in 2021 while the number in 2022 was 386.

In 2021, 5,547 sailors were inducted into the Navy. The number in 2022 was 5,171, he added.

To a separate question, Ajay Bhatt said a technology development fund to provide financial assistance to Indian industries, startups as well as academic and scientific institutions for the development of defence and dual use technologies.

The fund is also aimed at engaging the private industries especially MSMEs and startups to bring in the culture of design and development of military technology and support them with grant in aid, Bhatt said in his written reply.

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