Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, August 4: The Lok Sabha passed a bill on Friday that will allow commanders of inter-services organisations to exercise administrative or disciplinary control over the army, air force and navy personnel who are under their command. Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence, said the legislation is a significant step towards military reforms.
In the midst of opposition protests over their demands linked to the Manipur debate, the Defence Minister moved the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 for passing in the House.
The Minister requested permission to speak from another seat before moving the bill for passage. The Chair, Rajendra Agrawal, stated that it is not ideal for the Minister to address the House from another seat.
To best utilize military resources, the bill is considered as a step toward theaterization.
Rajnath Singh said the bill encourages cooperation and gives inter-services organisation commanders broader disciplinary and administrative authority.
“I want to assure the House that this bill is an important step in the direction of military reforms. This bill does not include any additional financial implications,” he said.
According to Rajnath Singh, the Air Force, Army and Navy service members are currently subject to the provisions of the Air Force Act of 1950, the Army Act of 1950 and the Navy Act of 1957 and only officers of the respective services are permitted to exercise disciplinary authority over the members of their respective services under the relevant Service Acts.
According to him, the Bill will essentially be an enabling law that will allow the Heads of the Inter-services Organisations to effectively exercise command, control and discipline over all members of the regular Air Force, Army and Navy as well as individuals from other forces that the Central Government may notify who are serving in or attached to an Inter-services Organisation without amending the relevant Acts.
