Narendra Modi Government Gives 'In-Principle' Approval For Creation of Chief of Defence Staff Post To Enhance Co-ordination Between Three Service Wings
The Centre of Monday approved in-principle the creation of a post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Minister of State (MoS) Defence Shripad Naik gave a written reply to Vaiko and Dr T Subbarami Reddy in Rajya Sabha. The CDS will have powers to direct three service chief, which will enhance coordination between the three wings.
New Delhi, November 19: The Centre of Monday gave in-principle approval for the creation of a post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Minister of State (MoS) Defence Shripad Naik gave a written reply to Vaiko and Dr T Subbarami Reddy in Rajya Sabha. As per the official release, “An Implementation Committee was also approved and constituted to further determine and finalize the exact responsibilities, an enabling framework for this new post and all other issues involved to ensure smooth operationalization.” CDS Appointment Discussed in Indian Army Commander's Conference, 2 Months After PM Modi Announced Creation of 'Chief of Defence Staff' Post.
The release further added, “A number of Committees viz. the Kargil Review Committee, Group of Ministers (GoM) Report, Task Force on National Security and Shekatkar Committee have studied and recommended creation of the post of CDS/Permanent Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee.” According to media reports, the first CDS is expected to be announced next month. The government will also announce the appointment of a new army chief as General Bipin Rawat will be retiring on December 31.
Shripad Naik's Reply in Rajya Sabha:
The CDS will have powers to direct three service chief, which will enhance coordination between the three wings and will provide efficiency while carrying out military operations. As per the suggestion by the K Subrahmanyam-led Kargil Review Committee, the CDS will be a single-point military adviser to the government. Chief of Defence Staff: PM Narendra Modi, on Independence Day 2019, Announces New CDS Post to Oversee All 3 Wings of Armed Forces.
As the CDS will be heading all tri-service structures, the existing post of Integrated Defence Staff will be converted into the Vice Chief of Defence Staff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the decision to appoint the CDS during his address on the Independence Day this year. The recommendation for creating the post of CDS was first made after the Kargil War. Reports also surfaced that Gen Rawat could be the first Chief of Defence Staff.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2019 12:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).