What you need to know about inter-services organisations bill

Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill that seeks to provide the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel from other forces serving in such establishments. The bill was cleared in the Rajya Sabha with a voice vote. The Lok Sabha had given its nod to the legislation on August 4.

In his reply to a discussion on The Interservices Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the legislation has been brought to keep in tune with the changing nature of modern warfare and ensure better coordination among the three services.

The bill bestows the Commander-in-Chief and Officer-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) with comprehensive disciplinary and administrative authority concerning personnel within these organisations. This will translate into fostering seamless jointness and integration among the armed forces, which is imperative to safeguarding national interests in today’s complex security landscape.


The bill’s jurisdiction covers regular personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and also from other forces as designated by the Central Government and serving within or attached to an Inter-Services Organisation. With the establishment of an inclusive framework, forces can opt for a comprehensive approach to maintain discipline and facilitate the efficient discharge of duties.

"It (warfare) is not conventional now, it has become technology- and network-centric... It is therefore important considering the new challenges, which we and our forces are facing, there is a need for better coordination. This bill has been brought for that purpose only," the defence minister said.

Singh further said, "After the passage of this Bill, our inter-services organisations will be able to work in a better way."

The defence minister said considering the current global circumstances there is a need to keep India's forces strong.

"This bill has been brought with a view to strengthen our forces. There should be better jointness and at the same time integration should be better so that our forces can move faster to achieve the desired results," he said.

The legislation has been brought in for the purpose of ensuring better coordination and integrated infrastructure between the three service arms and to further strengthen the tradition of discipline inherent in the armed forces.

(With inputs from agencies)