Page 255 - Leadership in the Indian Army

findings of the NEFA Enquiry, his views were clearly influenced by them.
He dwelt at length on the subject of civilian control over the military and
the division of responsibilty between the political and the military

leadership. As a result of the enquiry, far-reaching changes took place in the
army. Many new organisations were created, and existing ones
strengthened. New weapons, equipment and clothing were ordered, and
systems of command were altered. The effect of these changes was felt in
1965, when India had to go to war again, with Pakistan, and was able to
redeem the honour of her arms.
In May 1963, Prem was promoted Major General and posted as Chief of

Staff, HQ Eastern Command, at Lucknow. The Army Commander was
Lieutenant General P.P. Kumaramangalam, who later became COAS.
Eastern Command was in the process of reorganisation and expansion in the
aftermath of the Indo–Chinese War. One of the first tasks given to Prem was
to prepare an administrative plan in keeping with the Army HQ directive
issued recently. Within a fortnight, Prem had produced an administrative

appreciation which outlined details of facilities required in Eastern
Command. When Kumaramangalam read it, he was astonished at the size
and cost of the maintenance infrastructure recommended. He told Prem that
perhaps he had exaggerated his requirements. Prem’s reply was that the
Army Commander had obviously not read the appreciation thoroughly.
Kumaramangalam read it again, more deliberately, and found that
everything that had been included was justified. He ordered the appreciation

to be sent to Army HQ without any modification, even though it was far in
excess of the figures catered to in the directive. Even Army HQ could not
find any fault in the calculations, and had to modify its instructions.
Prem also wrote for the Army Commander an appreciation of the Chinese
threat in Eastern Command. Having worked on the NEFA Enquiry, he was
familiar with every aspect of the subject and produced a comprehensive

document, remarkable for its lucidity and attention to detail. He also
planned a massive project for the accommodation of troops in forward
areas. With his experience and background as a Sapper, he was able to work
out the plan of accommodation at each station, and also the method of
accounting for the expenditure, in consultation with the audit and finance
authorities. Though he stayed at HQ Eastern Command for just over a year,
his contribution was immense. Kumaramangalam was sorry to see him