PUNJAB EXPRESS BUREAU New Delhi, May 13 The Indian Army is examining a proposal for allowing civilians to join the force for a three-year tenure, officials said. At present, the Army recruits young people under short service commission for an initial tenure of 10 years. “The Army is considering a proposal to allow civilians to join the force for a period of three years,” an Army spokesperson said in reply to a query. The Army has been making various efforts to attract talented young people to join it. Sources said the proposal is part of broad efforts to bring in reform in the 1.3- million-strong Army. They said the broad contours of the proposal are yet to be finalised. According to a report of Standing Committee of Defence, 2019, the deficiency in officer cadre of Indian Army stood at approximate 14 per cent. The Army had 42,253 officers and 11.94 lakh jawans according to the report. The Indian Navy had 10,000 officers 57,310 and personnel. Under the Short Service Commission, a person can serve in the force for a maximum of 10 years. Sources told ANI that the top brass in the Army is also reviewing the Short Service Commission to make it more attractive for the youth. Initially, the Short Service Commission was started with five years minimum service but later it was extended to 10 years. WITH AGENCIES INPUTS