What Is Chief Of Defence Staff: Power, Limitations, Salary Status

The Cabinet Committee on Security on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS). The creation of CDS, which will be single-point military adviser, was suggested by Kargil Review Committee in 1999. Along with CDS, Department of Military Affairs under Ministry of Defence will also be created. 

Chief of Defence Staff-Powers/Limitations

• CDS will be a Four-Star General with salary at par with the service chiefs.
• His rank will be much or less equivalent to that of Cabinet Secretary.
• Department of Military Affairs will be headed by CDS.
• CDS will not be eligible to hold any government post after demitting the office.
• The CDS will act as principal adviser to Raksha Mantri on matters pertaining to military affairs.
• The major role of CDS will be to bring jointness in logistics, transport, training support services of the three services.
• The Department of Military Affairs will have the appropriate mix of civilian and military officers.

The CCS also approved the report of a high-level committee, headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, which finalised responsibilities and the enabling framework for the CDS, they said. In a landmark military reform, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 announced that India will have a CDS as head of the tri-services.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort had announced that the government was mulling over the landmark military reform.

Days after the prime minister’s announcement, an Implementation Committee headed by Doval was appointed to finalise an enabling framework and determine the exact responsibilities for the CDS.

(With inputs from agencies)