Q. With reference to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), consider the following statements:
1.It is the highest-ranking military officer in India.
2.CDS heads the Department of Defence Production.
3.The CDS is described as first among equals with the service chiefs.
4.The Sarkaria Commission recommendation led the creation of the post.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is the highest-ranking military officer in India and acts as the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on tri-service matters. The CDS is described as the overall professional head of the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS is described as primus inter pares (first among equals) with respect to the three service chiefs.
Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect. The CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence. The idea for creating a CDS was recommended by the Kargil Review Committee, following India’s experience during the Kargil War. The CDS is a four-star officer chosen from among serving officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The term extends until a maximum age of 65 years, or three years in office—whichever comes earlier. After retirement, the CDS is not eligible for any government office.
Source: AIR
