The Inter-Services Organisations Bill, 2023 has recently been introduced in Lok Sabha. This bill aims to empower military commanders to oversee and administer discipline for soldiers of any service they are associated with. The introduction of this bill comes ahead of the planned initiation of integrated or joint commands. These commands would place all personnel and assets under the control of a single three-star general from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Provisions of the Inter-Services Organisations Bill
The Inter-Services Organisations Bill, 2023, includes the proposal for five joint services commands – western, eastern, northern, maritime, and air defense. The central government will have authority to form an Inter-services Organisation, incorporating a Joint Services Command. The Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in-Command will have the power to maintain discipline and ensure the fulfilling of duties by personnel from the army, navy, and IAF under his command.
Current Set up of Indian Armed Forces
At present, members of the various armed forces are governed by distinct Acts of Parliament: the Navy Act of 1957, the Air Force Act of 1950, and the Army Act of 1950. If an army soldier is commanded by a navy officer in a joint services setup, he must be returned to his original unit for disciplinary proceedings as the navy officer does not hold administrative powers over him. Currently, the Indian armed forces house 17 commands, each led by a four-star rank military officer.
First Tri-Service Theatre Command
The first Tri-Service Theatre command resides at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is one of two tri-service commands along with the Strategic Forces Command which oversees delivery and operational control of the country’s nuclear assets. Additional tri-service organizations include the Defence Intelligence Agency, Defence Cyber Agency, and Defence Space Agency.
Chinese Armed Forces Structure
In 2016, China restructured its 2.3-million People’s Liberation Army into five theatre commands to enhance its offensive capabilities. The Western Theatre Command manages the entire 3,488-km Line of Actual Control from eastern Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. India maintains four armies and three IAF commands along northern borders with China.
Significance of the Inter-Services Organisations Bill
The bill has the potential to usher in several tangible benefits such as swift disposal of cases and cost-saving by eliminating multiple proceedings. Additionally, it may lead to greater integration and unity among Armed Forces personnel. These changes are accordingly aimed at enhancing the efficiency and functionality of the armed forces by streamlining their organization and operation.