Central Idea

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, as part of a series of military reforms aimed at empowering the nation.

Background

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): In 2019, the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was created to ensure “jointness” among the three services in various operational and support areas.
Delay and Progress: The efforts to reorganize the armed forces into integrated theatre commands were delayed due to a lack of consensus and further stalled by the untimely demise of the first CDS, General Bipin Rawat.

Definition of ISO	Existing ISOs constituted under the Bill. New ISOs may be formed with personnel from at least two of the three services. Includes Joint Services Commands.
Empowerment of Commander-in-Chief	Commanders to exercise disciplinary and administrative control over personnel from all services attached to their respective organisations.
Superintendence by Central Government	Central government has a superintendence and may issue directions related to national security, general administration, or public interest.
Applicability to Other Forces	Provisions may apply to other forces raised and maintained in India, in addition to army, navy, and air force personnel.
Eligibility for Commander-in-Chief	Officers eligible for appointment: General Officers of the regular Army, Flag Officers of the Navy, Air Officers of the Air Force.
Disciplinary and Administrative Powers	Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command will exercise disciplinary and administrative powers vested in various authorities as specified in the service Acts.
Role of Commanding Officer	Introduction of Commanding Officer role with authority to initiate disciplinary or administrative actions for personnel within the Inter-Services Organisation.

Streamlining Multiple Legislations: Currently, service personnel of the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy are governed by different Acts, leading to complexities in disciplinary matters.
Promoting Integrated Staff: The bill empowers ISO commanders with disciplinary powers over service personnel, facilitating integration and joint operations among the armed forces.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency: The proposed bill, along with theaterization, can reduce the current 17 commands to a more efficient half a dozen, enhancing operational capabilities.
Effective Personnel Management: The bill addresses disciplinary issues in a tri-service environment, providing a unified approach for personnel from different services.
Enhanced National Security: Collaborative efforts among the three services will address emerging challenges in modern warfare, thereby strengthening national security.

Rigid Service Rules: Implementing changes in fixed rules of the three services presents a challenge, requiring careful consideration and consensus-building.
Incorporating Advanced Technologies: Integrating emerging technologies like AI and drone technology into modern warfare poses a challenge that demands effective planning and adaptation.
Logistical Issues: Formulating joint rules and collaboration is hindered by logistical challenges specific to certain services, necessitating coordination and cooperation.
Burden on CDS: The Chief of Defence Services (CDS) carries multiple roles, leading to potential operational burdens that must be managed for effective execution.

Empower Joint Service Commands: Strengthen joint service commands with operational powers at various levels to foster effective integration and coordination among the armed forces.
Division of Powers: Division of powers between different levels of command can alleviate the workload on service headquarters, enabling more efficient decision-making and execution.
Promotion and Standard Synergy: Developing synergy on promotions and standards across services can enhance cohesion and unity within the military structure.
Allocate Department of Military Affairs: Allocating the charge of the Department of Military Affairs to another competent officer can share responsibilities and optimize administrative efficiency.
Formation of Group of Ministers: Forming a Group of Ministers can facilitate expert inputs and coordinated policies, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the bill’s implementation.
Immediate Action on Land Use and Logistics: Immediate changes in land use and logistics should be prioritized while complicated issues are deliberated to ensure smooth and coordinated implementation.