On Friday, the government announced that the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act has been notified through a gazette notification and will come into effect from May 10. This legislation is aimed at pushing jointness among the three armed services.

The Act will grant authority to the government to designate the establishment of inter-services organisations (ISOs), such as joint services commands. It will also confer powers upon the heads of these organisations to take action against personnel from any of the three services, ensuring discipline and the efficient performance of duties.

“With the notification, the Act will empower the heads of ISOs and pave the way for expeditious disposal of cases, avoid multiple proceedings and will be a step towards greater integration and jointness among the armed forces personnel,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

The Bill was approved by Parliament during the previous year's monsoon session and received the President's assent on August 15, 2023.

The Act empowers commanders-in-chief and officers-in-command of ISOs to maintain discipline and oversee administration among the service personnel under their command, without disrupting the distinct service conditions of each branch. Previously, these personnel were governed by the respective laws of the three services - the Army Act, 1950, the Air Force Act, 1950, and the Navy Act, 1957.

This development occurs amidst a renewed emphasis on theaterisation, a much-anticipated military reform to optimise the military's resources for future warfare. Last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the bill as a crucial stride towards integration and collaboration among the armed forces to confront upcoming challenges.

So far, the existing legal framework within the armed forces had limitations regarding tri-services issues, as officers from one branch lacked the jurisdiction to enforce disciplinary and administrative actions over personnel from another branch. For example, a three-star general leading a joint command couldn't act against the Air Force or Navy personnel under their command.

The lack of such powers directly impacts command, control and discipline.

Former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, Lieutenant General Satish Dua (retd), stated that the law would enhance the effectiveness of ISOs by granting their commanders much-needed powers, thus enabling them to operate with greater autonomy.

Meanwhile, a two-day conclave of heads of tri-services institutes, chaired by chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan, concluded on Friday, with the meet focused on promoting jointness and integration.

Image source: AFP