Cabinet Committee on Security clears Chief of Defence Staff post: Here are all the details

Union Cabinet Committee on Security today approved the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)– a four star position being created as part of a defence management overhaul. CDS will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. CDS will head the department of military affairs with salary equivalent to Service Chiefs.

ET had earlier reported that current Indian Army Chief General Bipin Singh Rawat is likely to be appointed as the country's first CDS.

Here are all the details of the new CDS post:
*Aims is to bring about jointness between the Armed Forces of the country in training, procurement, staffing and operations.


*To enhance the quality of Military Advice to the Political leadership through integration of service inputs.

* To develop and foster expertise in military affairs in particular and in defence matters generally.

Role and responsibilities:
* Act as the Principal Military Adviser to Raksha Mantri on tri-Services matters. The three Chiefs will continue to advise RM on matters exclusively concerning their respective Services;

* CDS will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs.

*CDS will administer tri-services organisations. Their military command, will be with the Chief of the duly notified
service, which has a predominant role in effective functioning of that specific tri-service organization. However,
Tri-services agencies/organizations/ commands related to Cyber and Space will be under the command of the CDS.

* Provide integrated inputs of the Services to relevant authorities. CDS will be member of Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee.

* Bring about jointness in operations, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs and maintenance, etc. of the three Services within three years of the first CDS assuming office.

* Ensure optimal utilization of infrastructure and rationalize it.

* Enhance the share of indigenous equipment.

* Evaluate plans for;Out of Area Contingencies& as well other contingencies such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

*Assign inter-Services prioritization to capital acquisition proposals based on the anticipated budget.

*Integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

* Prepare strategy papers on military matters for consideration of the competent authority.

Other Service rules:
* Not eligible to hold any Government office after demitting the office of CDS.

* No private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.

General Bipin Rawat– who is serving a rare full three year term as the Indian Army Chief after he superseded two officers in 2016 – is likely to get a term of over two years as the CDS.