The Indian Parliament recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023 in the Lok Sabha to fortify the efficiency, discipline, and jointness among the Armed Forces. The primary intent of the new legislation is to address the challenges posed by the distinct service acts under which the armed forces currently operate.
Understanding the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill 2023
Historically, the armed forces have operated under distinct Service Acts – the Army Act of 1950, Navy Act of 1957, and Air Force Act of 1950. Their diversity has occasionally introduced problems in maintaining uniform discipline, coordination, and speedy proceedings across the inter-services establishments.
The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023 aims to rectify these issues with modern and progressive provisions. Importantly, the ISO Bill 2023 hasn’t proposed any modification to the existing Service Acts, Rules, or Regulations that have proven reasonably effective over many decades.
Key Features of the Bill
Primarily, the bill will apply to all regular Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. The central government remains entitled to designate any force established and maintained within India to which the provisions of the bill will apply.
Inter-services Organisation
Existing Inter-services Organisations, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Space Agency, and the National Defence Academy, will be assumed to have been constituted under this Bill. Here, it’s important to note that the joint command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the first Tri-Service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces.
Currently, the Indian armed forces have 17 commands – 7 each in the Army and the Air Force, and 3 for the Navy. Each command is under a military officer with a 4-star rank.
Command and Control Authority Extension
One critical component of the bill is its emphasis on extending command and control authority to the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of an Inter-services Organisation. Unlike the current structure, where these officers lack disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel from other services, the bill grants them full command and control. This provision includes maintaining discipline and ensuring proper duty execution by service personnel.
Role of the Commanding Officer
A new concept introduced in the bill is the role of a Commanding Officer. Their responsibility includes oversight of a unit, ship, or establishment. In addition to their unit-specific duties, they also perform tasks as assigned by the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of the Inter-services Organisation.
Central Government Authority
Under the new Bill, the central government will superintend the Inter-services Organisations. The government can also issue directions to such organisations concerning national security, general administration, or public interest.