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Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023” published in PIB on 4th August 2023.
What is the News?
Lok Sabha has passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023.
What is the need of the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023?
Currently, members of the armed forces are governed by three separate laws: the Army Act of 1950, the Air Force Act of 1950 and the Navy Act of 1957.Only officers from the same service have the authority to discipline those who fall under their respective Acts.
This creates challenges in maintaining command, control, and discipline within groups that consist of members from different services.
To fix this problem, this bill is being brought. Its goal is to make things simpler and faster. It aims to maintain discipline and resolve cases more quickly, saving time and money for everyone involved.
Importantly, the bill seeks to achieve these goals without disrupting the unique service conditions or amending the existing service Acts.
What are the key provisions of Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill – 2023?
Central government will have the power to create new Inter-Services Organizations(ISOs) through official notification.
The head of these organizations will be the commander-in-chief or the officer-in-command. The central government will be responsible for these inter-services organizations and will have the authority to issue directions on matters related to national security or general administration.
The commander-in-chief, the officer-in-command or any other official explicitly empowered by the central government will have full disciplinary and administrative powers over individuals serving or connected to an existing or prospective inter-services organization.
The personnel serving in or attached to an inter-services organization will continue to be governed by their respective service Acts.
What is the significance of this bill?
The bill has various tangible benefits such as maintenance of effective discipline in inter-services establishments by the Heads of ISOs, no requirement of reverting personnel under disciplinary proceedings to their parent Service units, expeditious disposal of cases of misdemeanour or indiscipline and saving of public money & time by avoiding multiple proceedings.
The Bill would also pave the way for much greater integration and jointness amongst the three Services. It will also lay a strong foundation for creation of Joint Structures in times to come and further improve the functioning of the Armed Forces.
