The decision comes at a time of heightened tension with Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that has led increased skirmishes on the Line of Control over the last month

The restructuring will result in nearly 230 officers being sent to field units from Army HQ. This is nearly 20 per cent of the strength of these officers there, sources said.

The Indian Army has decided to increase the number of officers in field units with an aim to enhance its operations in Forward areas. This will be done by sending young combat-worthy officers up to the rank of Colonel, who are currently serving at the Army headquarters.

The restructuring will result in nearly 230 officers being sent to field units from Army HQ.

This is nearly 20 per cent of the strength of these officers there, sources said.

"It was felt that combat-worthy officers who are serving in Army HQ should be in field units, said an official from the Ministry of Defence.

The number of officers up to the rank of Colonel in Army HQ is currently between 1,000 and 1,100.

The decision comes at a time of heightened tension with Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that has led increased skirmishes on the Line of Control over the last month.

However, officials say the current situation is not a trigger for the decision as the proposal was part of four studies conducted by the Army for a leaner and more efficient force. One of the studies included restructuring of the Army HQ.

"Field units had been operating with only 50 per cent requirement of officers. While around 25 officers are considered ideal, they have been functioning with only 10 to 12 officers, an Army official said.

Less number of fighting officers on the front to lead the soldiers had been a long standing demand of the Army.

It's the officers who lead the men in combat so having more of them with field units will definitely enhance operational capabilities, sources said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has been pushing for reforms in the Army to make it more efficient and finally after 12 such studies on the subject -- the first one done in 1975 under General Krishna Rao -- the Army will adopt and implement the recommendations of the recent one.

The government has also accepted the recommendation for a new deputy chief of the Army staff strategy to deal with operational and force planning. The office will have military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and the newly created information warfare branches under it.