GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES ACT EMPOWERING ARMED FORCES’ COMMAND AND CONTROL

Why in the news?

Government notifies ISOs (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, aiming for efficient discipline maintenance and greater integration in armed forces.

Key Provisions ,Objectives and Enforcement of the Act:

  • The government has officially notified the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act through a Gazette notification.
  • The Act is set to be enforced with immediate effect from now, aiming to regulate the functioning of ISOs.
  • The Act grants Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs the authority to maintain discipline and administration over service personnel.
  • It aims to streamline the handling of disciplinary cases, prevent duplication of proceedings, and facilitate quicker resolutions.
  • The Act is expected to promote greater integration among armed forces personnel, aligning with the impending reorganisation of the Indian military into integrated theatre commands.
Key Features of the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill 2023:

  • The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill 2023 aims to enhance discipline, coordination, and efficiency across inter-services establishments.

Inter-Services Organisation:

  • Existing Inter-services Organisations like Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence Space Agency, and National Defence Academy deemed constituted under the Bill.
  • Provision for the establishment of a Joint Services Command under a Commander-in-Chief.

Control of Inter-Services Organisations:

  • Empowers Commander-in-Chief/Officer-in-Command to exercise command and control over personnel within the Inter-services Organisation.
  • Superintendence of Inter-services Organisation vested in the central government.

Other Forces under Central Government:

  • Central government may extend the application of the Bill to forces beyond the army, navy, and air force.

Commander-in-Chief andCommanding Officer:

  • Eligible officers for Commander-in-Chief include high-ranking officers from the regular Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Introduction of a Commanding Officer empowered to initiate disciplinary and administrative actions within the Inter-services Organisation.