The Salary of a Field Marshal in the Indian Army: An Honorary Rank
The rank of Field Marshal is a highly esteemed and primarily honorary position within the Indian Army. For many years, it has been an honorific bestowed upon officers for exceptional service, and its holder does not receive a regular salary similar to other ranks.
Historical Context and Current Status
As of my last update in August 2023, the title of Field Marshal is no longer associated with a regular salary. The most recent Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, was appointed in 1973, marking a significant but rare position in the military hierarchy. Unlike other ranks, this rank does not come with a fixed salary; instead, it is reserved for the highest honor a officer can receive within the Indian Army.
The highest regular rank in the Indian Army is that of a General. For officers promoted to this rank, the pay scale is determined by the 7th Pay Commission, which can range from approximately 180,000 to 250,000 rupees (approximately $2,180 to $2,940 USD) per month, depending on various allowances and other factors.
Honorary Status and Perks
While the rank of Field Marshal does not come with a regular salary, officers who hold this position do receive a range of perks and privileges. These perks include an equivalent salary to the Chief of Army Staff, who commands the highest military position in the country. In 1973, when General Sam Manekshaw was conferred the rank of Field Marshal, the pay was set at Rs. 1,600 per month, with no increments or adjustments for Dearness Allowance (DA).
This arrangement has remained largely unchanged, reflecting the ceremonial and honorific nature of the rank. For nearly three decades, this fixed salary was intended to align with the historical tradition of the rank, which places Field Marshals second only to monarchs or heads of state in terms of ceremonial status.
Special Cases and Recent Developments
One notable exception to the general rule of a fixed salary occurred in 2007 when, on the behest of President Abdul Kalam, the government decided to review and adjust the pay and perks of Field Marshals. Arrears for a period of 34 years totaling 1.2 crores (approximately $1.8 million USD) were provided to honor the service of former Field Marshals.
As of now, the salary of a Field Marshal is not a fixed figure and varies depending on the time of appointment and other factors. However, the rank remains a symbol of the highest level of military excellence and leadership.
Conclusion
The rank of Field Marshal in the Indian Army is a unique position that combines military honor with ceremonial tradition. While it does not come with a regular salary like other military ranks, it does offer a range of privileges and perks, including an equivalent salary to the Chief of Army Staff. The historical significance and the honor associated with this rank make it a pivotal and cherished position within the Indian military hierarchy.
For the most accurate and current information, it is best to refer to official sources or updates from the Indian Army or government announcements.
Image Source
For further visualization, refer to the caricature series depicting the role and attire of Field Marshals in the Indian Army.
Note: The information provided is based on the last update received in August 2023, and readers are encouraged to verify information from official sources for the most current details.