Mumbai: In another development, the government approved the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced in a press conference that the officer to be appointed as a defense officer would be a four-star general. In addition, the officer will also head the Department of Military Affairs.
According to media reports, the Cabinet Security Committee, which took place today, approved the report of the committee headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on finalizing the responsibilities of the CDS.
Javadekar said during the cabinet briefing, “He (each of the three) will draw the same salary as the service chiefs and lead the department of military affairs to be created under the Ministry of Defense.”
As per reports, the Indian Armed Forces will come under the purview of the Department of Military Affairs, which will have the appropriate expertise to manage military affairs. The department will include a suitable mix of civilian and military officers.
In addition, the Chief of Defense Staff will serve as the Chief Military Advisor to the Minister of Defense on matters of tri-services. The three service chiefs will continue to serve as advisors to the Minister of Defense on special matters for their respective services, ie the Army, Navy and Air Force.
After being appointed to the post of CDS, the officer appointed to the post of CDS will be barred from holding any government office. He will not hold any private employment without prior government approval for a period of five years after leaving the office of CDS.
“The Department of Military Affairs, under the head of the defense staff, will facilitate the reorganization of military orders for optimal use of resources, bringing jointness into operations through the establishment of joint / theater command,” the report stated.
According to the responsibilities set today, the Chief of Defense Staff will also have a second role. He will also serve as the permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In this role, CDS will be referred to sources in the integrated defense staff, news agency ANI reported.
(With ANI Inputs)
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