Lok Sabha Passes Bill Empowering Inter-Services Commanders for Disciplinary Control
The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India, has recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Bill-2023. This bill aims to grant the commanders of inter-services organizations the authority to exercise disciplinary and administrative control over personnel serving under their command in the army, air force, and navy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of this legislation, describing it as an important step towards military reforms. Currently, personnel in the Armed Forces are governed by their respective Service Acts, namely the Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957, and Air Force Act 1950.
Enacting this bill will have several tangible benefits, including the maintenance of effective discipline within inter-service establishments, avoidance of reverting disciplined personnel to their parent Service units, swift resolution of cases related to misconduct or indiscipline, and saving public money and time by avoiding multiple proceedings.
Apart from these advantages, the bill will also contribute to greater integration and jointness among the three Services, establish a robust foundation for the creation of Joint Structures in the future, and enhance the functioning of the Armed Forces as a whole.
During the introduction of the bill in the Lok Sabha, Rajnath Singh emphasized its role in empowering the nation, assuring that it will not have any additional financial implications. He portrayed the bill as a crucial step towards achieving integration and jointness among the Armed Forces to effectively confront future challenges.
It is important to note that the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Bill-2023 does not propose any changes to the existing Service Acts, Rules, or Regulations. These provisions have been tested over the past six decades and have proven their effectiveness through judicial scrutiny.
Personnel who serve in or are attached to an Inter-Services Organisation will continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts. However, the bill empowers the Heads of Inter-Services Organisations to exercise disciplinary and administrative powers according to the existing Service Acts, Rules, or Regulations, regardless of their service affiliation.
The passage of this bill through the Lok Sabha marks an important milestone in the journey of military reforms undertaken by the Indian government. It signifies a proactive approach to strengthen the Armed Forces, improve integration among the Services, and pave the way for a more streamlined and efficient military structure.
The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Bill-2023 addresses crucial aspects of discipline, administration, and jointness within the Armed Forces. The enactment of this bill is poised to bring about positive changes and enhance the functioning of India’s defense forces.
In conclusion, the passage of the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Bill-2023 in the Lok Sabha is a significant development in India’s military reforms. It grants inter-services commanders the power to maintain discipline and exercise administrative control over personnel from the army, air force, and navy. This legislation aims to foster integration and jointness among the Services while upholding the existing service-specific regulations. It represents a proactive step toward strengthening the Armed Forces and streamlining their operations for the benefit of India’s national security.
