Modi Appoints Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): News and Discussions

LakshmanPST · Post by **LakshmanPST** » 31 Aug 2019 13:55

Vimarsha - The Role of IAF in Changing Security Environment by ACM BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC https://youtu.be/ooE8vLRfvVo

Watch this video from 27:00 to 36:00...
Dhanoaji talks about IAF's stand on Theater Commands and Jointness in Operations...
Though they're more or less the same points you'd have read in media & elsewhere, still it is interesting to hear them from the chief himself...

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 18 Sep 2019 05:57

Still no word on CDS and the next IAF chief. BS Dhanoa retired in two weeks.

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 28 Sep 2019 12:12

General Rawat to operationalise appointment of CDS: MoD
Army Chief takes over as perhaps the last Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee with a mandate to wind up the office, and appears to be front runner for CDS

http://spsmai.com/news/?id=951&q=Genera ... of-CDS-MoD

wig · Post by **wig** » 19 Nov 2019 05:12

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... ODWPK.html

India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is expected to be announced next month
excerpts

The people cited above also said that the CDS “will not be a paper tiger”, but someone whose advice will be binding on the three services chiefs.

They added that apart from being responsible for promoting jointmanship, the new CDS will be heading all tri-service structures, with the existing post of Integrated Defence Staff being converted into the Vice Chief of Defence Staff. The current IDS chief Lt Gen PS Rajeshwar is being posted to India’s only tri-service command at Andaman and Nicobar islands. He will succeed Vice-Admiral Bimal Verma, who is retiring on November 30.

Jointmanship, a key military doctrine, refers to coordination and integration of strategy, capabilities and execution across the three services.

The people said that though the CDS will carry four stars (like chiefs of the three services do), he will be the “first among equals”, with the task of prioritising hardware for future Indian military needs, allocating tri-services assets to the new theatre commands, and designating tasks to these formations.

The new CDS will be at the heart of Indian military diplomacy, spelling out the new jointmanship terms to break silos between the three services, which, experts say, have been prone to protecting their own turfs while joining hands only on common issues such as pay and pension.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Nov 2019 05:26

Hope CDS won't become a rotating seniority post.
But chosen from the three chiefs.

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 26 Nov 2019 13:40

General Bipin Rawat set to be first Chief of Defence Staff
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 230362.cms

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 02 Dec 2019 18:21

An Implementation Committee which was to further determine and finalize the exact responsibilities, an enabling framework for #CDS and all other issues involved to ensure smooth operationalization, has submitted its report: Govt to Parliament. @ThePrintIndia

https://twitter.com/sneheshphilip/statu ... 48128?s=21

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 03 Dec 2019 16:16

CDS should be suitably empowered to carry out all decisions - Navy Chief hails PMs historic decision
https://aninews.in/news/national/politi ... 203144636/

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 10 Dec 2019 12:45

Another Modi surprise? This portal seems to have a lot of inside details of the Doval committees recommendations

Lt Gen Naravane set to be first CDS

Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the current Indian army vice-chief, is likely to take over as India’s first Chief of Defense Staff.

Contrary to media speculation that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat would take over as the country’s first Chief of Defense Staff, Naravane is strongly billed to get a ‘double promotion of sorts.’

Rawat is likely to be sent abroad as Ambassador like his predecessor Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, who is India’s current envoy in the strategic Seychelles islands.

Naravane’s selection has already been endorsed at the defense and security levels and awaits final political endorsement.

South Asian Monitor is privy to the debates within the country’s defense and security establishment regarding the CDS selection process since Prime Minister Narendra Modi, immediately after his return to power this summer, announced that his government would create this position to implement the 2001 Group of Ministers recommendation for the better integration of India’s defense services.

The experts committee set up at the initiative of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to finalize the CDS made an important recommendation that went against Rawat and in favor of Naravane:

“Considering the nature of the job and skills required in co-ordination and consensus building, it is desirable that the incumbent is identified through a process of deep selection from amongst eligible three-Star, C-in-C level officers of the three services.

“Experience of working in the HQ IDS should be a prerequisite for future appointments, if not the first one. The selection should strictly be merit based and not merely based on seniority.

“Automatic elevation of a Service Chief (serving or retired) to the CDS is not the preferred option on account of shorter residual tenure and constraints of sudden `switch’ from a single service to a tri service orientation.”

“The post should be open to all three services and should not be the monopoly of any particular service. HQ, Integrated Defense Staff (IDS), has matured considerably over the last two decades and is now in a position to provide the CDS with a platform to become fully functional, at par the Service Chiefs.”

The recommendations points to a three-year fixed tenure (less if a Service Chief is elevated to CDS) and a higher age of retirement than the Service Chiefs, thereby providing continuity.

“However, the rules of business should be revised to read: “the responsibility of defense of India will, from now, on rest with Defense Minister and not Defense Secretary”. Thus, while the CDS, like the Service Chiefs, would have a higher status than the Defense Secretary in the warrant of precedence, they would both be heads of respective military and civilian verticals, having direct access and providing independent channels of advice to the Defense Minister on respective subjects.”

According to the recommendations, the CDS is expected to play a dynamic role in defense planning, modernization and force restructuring. While the talk of elevating him to a `five star status’ seems irrelevant in the Indian context, it is equally important that he is not kept confined to being a ‘glorified CISC’.

Some of the roles marked by the experts for the CDS are:

* Exercise operational and administrative command over the ANC (Andaman and Nicobar Command); Cyber and Space Agencies (or Commands, as and when they come up) and Special Operations Division.

* Exercise `administrative control’ over the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), whose `operational control’ rests with the highest political authority.

*Support formulation of National Security Strategy by the NSCS and also be responsible for formulation of National Defense Strategy, Defense Planning Guidelines and Defense Minister’s Operational Directives.

*Scenario building for future operational contingencies, to guide capability development plans.

* Formulation of Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), Services Capital Acquisition Plan (5 or 7 years, as directed) and Technology Perspective and Capability Road Map (TPCR).

* Creating an interface with DRDO for formulation of their Long Term Technology Perspective Plan (LTTPP).

* Directing conduct of ‘technology scan’ of various weapon systems available or to be developed.

* Directing conduct of strategic assessments for acquisition of major weapon systems.

* Formulating guidelines (in conjunction with MEA) and directing international defense cooperation activities.

* Overseeing and approving intra-service and inter-service prioritization for acquisitions and aligning these to the Defense Budget, with impediments to be addressed through the DPC.

*Evolving joint operations and joint training doctrines.

* Responsibility for establishment and functioning of the National Defense University, all tri-Service Category A training institutions, policy planning and conduct of foreign language training.

* Planning out of Area Contingencies (OOAC) with the three services and conduct of appropriate joint exercises. Building of capabilities for International HADR assistance.

* Creation of tri-Service logistic infrastructure and procedures, tri-Service equipment codification and standardization, supporting innovation and R&D at DRDO and in private industry. Development of an indigenous defense industrial base.

The CDS will be inducted into the recently constituted Defense Planning Committee (DPC) which is headed by the NSA who brings the political guidance of the PMO to the table.

If Lt Gen Naravane finally takes over as the first CDS, the Northern army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh is likely to take over as the next Army Chief.

Singh is handling Kashmir and the tense situation on the Line of Control with Pakistan.

Naravane’s reputation as a ‘celebral general’ and his knowledge of China, specially the border situation, has helped his cause says top military sources.

He followed China closely since he was sent to Myammar as defense attache and then as the Eastern Army Commander.

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 19 Dec 2019 01:56

Nikhil T wrote:....

“However, the rules of business should be revised to read: “the responsibility of defense of India will, from now, on rest with Defense Minister and not Defense Secretary”. Thus, while the CDS, like the Service Chiefs, would have a higher status than the Defense Secretary in the warrant of precedence, they would both be heads of respective military and civilian verticals, having direct access and providing independent channels of advice to the Defense Minister on respective subjects.”

....

Some of the roles marked by the experts for the CDS are:

* Exercise operational and administrative command over the ANC (Andaman and Nicobar Command); Cyber and Space Agencies (or Commands, as and when they come up) and Special Operations Division.

* Exercise `administrative control’ over the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), whose `operational control’ rests with the highest political authority.

*Support formulation of National Security Strategy by the NSCS and also be responsible for formulation of National Defense Strategy, Defense Planning Guidelines and Defense Minister’s Operational Directives.

.....

* Formulating guidelines (in conjunction with MEA) and directing international defense cooperation activities.

....

* Responsibility for establishment and functioning of the National Defense University, all tri-Service Category A training institutions, policy planning and conduct of foreign language training.

* Planning out of Area Contingencies (OOAC) with the three services and conduct of appropriate joint exercises. Building of capabilities for International HADR assistance.

* Creation of tri-Service logistic infrastructure and procedures, tri-Service equipment codification and standardization, supporting innovation and R&D at DRDO and in private industry. Development of an indigenous defense industrial base.

The CDS will be inducted into the recently constituted Defense Planning Committee (DPC) which is headed by the NSA who brings the political guidance of the PMO to the table.

....

The level of detail in this report is simply amazing, and looking at the same I cant seem to fault it as it is not revolutionary nor a CDS only in name. It seems to go beyond the Naresh Chandra recommendation.

The vesting of responsibility of defence onto the RM, and elected representative of the people, and not the bureaucrat is the first major change, and per se has no direct relation to CDS, but clearly prompted by this change. Goes to show how significant CDS is.

Open questions

- Will CDS be invited to CCS (probably not)
- What will happen to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee
- I dont get the bit about "operational control" of the SFC. In any case a 2 star officer leads the SFC so why not let him report to CDS? Orders are obviously coming from NCA so whats the issue here?

Lastly CDS seems to have enough space despite the NSA, who off late has a much more expanded role (beyond an 'advisor') and is almost a CDS or sorts.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Dec 2019 03:59

Bravo.
Its culmination of so many years of debates even here.

Your questions:
- Yes on need to basis.
- COSC is OBE. Overcome By Events.
- SFC operational is with civilian to show that its a political choice. CDS will be in charge of administrative control
- NSA and CDS are distinct roles and sphere or domains.

I like the part about selection and not seniority.

I had joked with Rohit that as the three chiefs are IAF brats IAF should have no complaints about second CDS.
I was wrong its with the first CDS itself.
NaMona Maha!

LakshmanPST · Post by **LakshmanPST** » 20 Dec 2019 14:28

Nitin Gokhale's Tweets--->
https://twitter.com/nitingokhale/status ... 07681?s=19

Even as the nation awaits the announcement of the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), preparations are already in full swing to define his charter, his duties and his place in the government hierarchy. As mentioned in the past, the CDS will be first among equals in the military.

Protocol wise, the CDS will be perhaps at number 12 in the warrant of precedence, the 3 Chiefs are likely to be one notch below the CDS, such as 12A. The exact working relationship between the CDS and the Defence Secretary is not clear to me yet. But surely it has been finalised

As is well known, the CDS will be responsible for planning, coordinating and prioritising procurements based on inputs from service HQs and by keeping the available funds in mind. He will thus be the principal defence —not a single-point—adviser to the Cabinet as also the NSA.

Apart from the current CISC—who will be the Deputy CDS—the new CDS will also have the three tri-service agency heads (Cyber, Space and Special Forces), DG DIA and the SO-in-C as well as E-in-C directly reporting to him. The last two posts are currently with the Army.

Army HQ is likely to have new posts of DG, Signals, and DG, Engineering Services in line with the other line directorates like DG, Artillery; DG, Mech Forces; DG Infantry, to name just three.

In a major surprise—after a re-think of late—the CDS may also be given operational control of the Strategic Forces Command. The administrative & budgetary control of the SFC is however likely to remain with the PMO through the NSA. If this happens—and its a big IF—a major change.

Finally, the answer to the BIGGEST Q—who will be the first Chief of Defence Staff—is still elusive! While Gen Bipin Rawat is definitely the hot favourite to grace that post, it is futile to speculate since the decision is most likely to come as early as next week.

Btw, an office chamber for the CDS is already identified and more or less ready in South Block, a bungalow on the K. Kamraj Marg has been earmarked to welcome the first CDS soon.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 Dec 2019 06:39

The CDS should be give operational command of the SFC, the last line of defence , or first line of attack of the nation. Under the PMO
with the assistance of the NSA. With nutters like Imran Khant nuclear sabre rattling over the CAA , which does not impact upon the security of Pak at all, we have to be vigilant like wise owls and
at the nuclear ready always.

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 24 Dec 2019 14:38

India set to get its first Chief of Defence Staff; announcement likely today
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/arti ... ngh/531163

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 24 Dec 2019 16:23

dinesha wrote:India set to get its first Chief of Defence Staff; announcement likely today
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/arti ... ngh/531163

Knowing Modi govt ... be ready for surprises in CDS announcement, including name of the post itself. I will watch out for Nitin Gokhale on his analysis and reportage on this

MeshaVishwas · Post by **MeshaVishwas** » 24 Dec 2019 16:45

https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/12 ... 08704?s=19

wig · Post by **wig** » 24 Dec 2019 19:28

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1597425

notification by Press Information Bureau for creation of post of 4 star CDS.
i have posted the complete note

Cabinet approves creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff in the rank of four star General
Posted On: 24 DEC 2019 5:44PM by PIB Delhi
In a landmark decision with tremendous reform in higher defence management in the country, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The Chief of Defence Staff will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.
The following areas will be dealt by the Department of Military Affairs headed by CDS:
The Armed Forces of the Union, namely, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence comprising Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters, Air Headquarters and Defence Staff Headquarters.
The Territorial Army.
Works relating to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
Procurement exclusive to the Services except capital acquisitions, as per prevalent rules and procedures.
Apart from the above, the mandate of the Department of Military Affairs will include the following areas:
Promoting jointness in procurement, training and staffing for the Services through joint planning and integration of their requirements.
Facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint/theatre commands.
Promoting use of indigenous equipment by the Services.
The Chief of Defence Staff, apart from being the head of the Department of Military Affairs, will also be the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. He will act as the Principal Military Adviser to Raksha Mantri on all tri-Services matters. The three Chiefs will continue to advise RM on matters exclusively concerning their respective Services. CDS will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be able to provide impartial advice to the political leadership.
As the Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, CDS will perform the following functions:
CDS will administer tri-services organisations. Tri-service agencies/organisations/commands related to Cyber and Space will be under the command of the CDS.
· CDS will be member of Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Raksha Mantri and Defence Planning Committee chaired by NSA.
· Function as the Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority.
· Bring about jointness in operation, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs and maintenance, etc of the three Services, within three years of the first CDS assuming office.
· Ensure optimal utilisation of infrastructure and rationalise it through jointness among the services.
· Implement Five-Year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan (DCAP), and Two-Year roll-on Annual Acquisition Plans (AAP), as a follow up of Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP).
· Assign inter-Services prioritisation to capital acquisition proposals based on the anticipated budget.
Bring about reforms in the functioning of three Services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the Armed Forces by reducing wasteful expenditure.
It is expected that this reform in the Higher Defence Management would enable the Armed Forces to implement coordinated defence doctrines and procedures and go a long way in fostering jointmanship among the three Services. The country would be benefitted by coordinated action on greater jointmanship in training, logistics and operations as well as for prioritisation of procurements.

Background

This follows the announcement made by the Prime Minister on 15th August 2019, in his address to the nation, inter alia, "India should not have a fragmented approach. Our entire military power will have to work in unison and move forward. All the three (Services) should move simultaneously at the same pace. There should be good coordination and it should be relevant to the hope and aspirations of our people. It should be in line with the changing war and security environment with the world. After formation of this post (CDS), all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level."

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 24 Dec 2019 21:21

No mention of SOD and ANC - so CDS will not be over combatants.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 24 Dec 2019 22:58

This will take YEARS to evolve into something meaningful. The job description only highlights how impossible the CDS job will be. Watch how the changes in job description happen in a few years time. At best, CDS is just another voice in the room...

Historically IAF and IN are the key roadblocks to anything joint. Roles & Responsibility number 2 basically is forced in.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Dec 2019 23:07

Govt announces India's first Chief of Defence Staff to bring better synergy between forces
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/g ... 2019-12-24

Javadekar added, "CDS will have all powers of a secretary-level officer. The files need not go through defence secretary and the CDS will be empowered to send to it directly to the defence minister."

Guddu · Post by **Guddu** » 24 Dec 2019 23:38

Shekhar Gupta explains CDS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7EYfqxbSKs

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Dec 2019 23:38

They need to implement this for all flag officers. A number of them are getting positions that is discomforting. The current head of Boeing India is a prime example. Here is another ---> https://usispf.org/team/captain-retd-vikram-mahajan/

This gentleman advocated against the S-400 purchase. At flag rank, you have served a minimum of three decades in uniform.

See below...

Russian S-400 System Requires Friendly Aircraft Data To Identify Friend Or Foe
https://www.defenseworld.net/news/24786 ... gJPNFdKg2w

MeshaVishwas wrote:

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 25 Dec 2019 00:16

The xcpt. Rakesh made is the most crucial.The CDS having direct access to the DM.During earlier times, that stood us well in 1971, the 3 chiefs had direct access to even the PM! That's how babudom was at its minimum at the time , with enlightened MOD staff in sync with the military. I would wish for this access to be taken one step further, direct access to the PM too, with direct access by the 3 chiefs to the DM as well. The 3 chiefs must have access to the DM and PMO when reqd. otherwise their posts will effectively be downgraded , with the CDS as pointman for everything. The primary role of the CDS should be for joint theatre operations ensuring a seamless execution of the directive from the political executive.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Dec 2019 05:11

Philip CDS will be Military NSA. I wrote here.

https://twitter.com/ramana_brf/status/1 ... 79232?s=19

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Dec 2019 05:13

CCS, NDA, and CDS. All work for PM.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 25 Dec 2019 08:43

Ok.I get the pic. That's a very welcome development.

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 25 Dec 2019 11:53

ramana wrote:Philip CDS will be Military NSA. I wrote here.

https://twitter.com/ramana_brf/status/1 ... 79232?s=19

I think that's a good approximation of what the CDS is set out as. However a military commander of note should have military power - so ideally SOD, ANC and SFC should be under his command.

Also there was an opportunity for the CDS to be defence secretary as well ... But i suppose that would not have been palatable to IAS lobby.

Vidur · Post by **Vidur** » 25 Dec 2019 12:23

Aditya G wrote:
ramana wrote:Philip CDS will be Military NSA. I wrote here.

https://twitter.com/ramana_brf/status/1 ... 79232?s=19
I think that's a good approximation of what the CDS is set out as. However a military commander of note should have military power - so ideally SOD, ANC and SFC should be under his command.

Also there was an opportunity for the CDS to be defence secretary as well ... But i suppose that would not have been palatable to IAS lobby.

I invite forum members to analyse the structure of MOD. I have given some information below, some intentionally incomplete. Would like you to :

1.) Research and fill in the blanks
2.) Connect the dots and understand dynamics of power

Here Goes

There are X number of departments in Defence Ministry - Department of Defence, Department of Defence Finance, Department of Defence R&D, .....

Each is headed by a secretary level IAS/AIS officer. Secy GOI is equivalent to Service Chiefs.

Q 1 - Where does Defence Secretary fit in. Is he senior to all secretaries of departments ? Where is he on warrant of precedence ?

Q 2 - Where are service chiefs ? Are they equivalent to Def Secy ? Where are they in regard to Cabinet Secy the senior most civil servant ?

CDS is supposed to be head of new department within Defence Ministry - Department of Military Affairs.

Q 3 - Therefore is he not below defence secretary ?

Q 4 - Does this not mean that service chiefs have been downgraded ?

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Dec 2019 04:08

Vidur, Have you seen the old book of A.L. Venkateswaran? It was published as Defence Organization in India. 1967.

If not send for it from IIT Madras library.

I will look into your questions.
Prime facie looks like you are right.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Dec 2019 04:15

Aditya G wrote:
ramana wrote:Philip CDS will be Military NSA. I wrote here.

https://twitter.com/ramana_brf/status/1 ... 79232?s=19
I think that's a good approximation of what the CDS is set out as. However a military commander of note should have military power - so ideally SOD, ANC and SFC should be under his command.

Also there was an opportunity for the CDS to be defence secretary as well ... But i suppose that would not have been palatable to IAS lobby.

Not yet. Need to iron out inter service issues. As usual it's the air force.

RKumar · Post by **RKumar** » 26 Dec 2019 05:49

All though I would like that first CDS is General Rawat but he might not be the one. Lets wait and watch!!

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 26 Dec 2019 05:52

Ramanna, there was a detailed report on the CDS and his designated role,etc.in a media report.I think TOI or Ind. Exp.
Comments from other former chiefs too.
Incidentally, the 3 chiefs are above a Sec.in protocl according to one report and the CDS cannot have rank/ protocol below that of a chief as he has been designated " first among equals".

The IAF will be the spoke in the wheel because if theatre commands are created, perhaps only the strategic bombing command (Central Command?) ,as the IAF have unwisely sneered at bombers like Backfires when offered and have operated none since the era of Canberras, will be under an IAF commander! The Eastern, Northern, Western and S- Western current commands are all army specific bordering China and Pak. The IN will have to be given Command apart from the ANC, of the maritime theatres ,east,south and west in the IOR.

LakshmanPST · Post by **LakshmanPST** » 26 Dec 2019 06:09

Is there a separate thread for discussion on jointness and Theater commands...??? I'm not able to find one...

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Dec 2019 06:16

Is there a good org chart of MoD?

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Dec 2019 06:16

LakshmanPST wrote:Is there a separate thread for discussion on jointness and Theater commands...??? I'm not able to find one...

Yes look in the later pages.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Dec 2019 07:45

Vidur

The DoD org chart says only Defence Secy is Secretary level.
There are three Addl Secy level officials

https://mod.gov.in/dod/organization-structure

So what's going on?

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 26 Dec 2019 08:24

The CDS will be Sec. of a new " Dept. of Military Affairs" within the MOD.

Abhibhushan · Post by **Abhibhushan** » 26 Dec 2019 08:44

Ramana:

You are looking at the chart depicting the department of defence. We also have the dept of defence production (controlling HAL,OFB,MDL and so on ), department of the Scientific advisor (controlling DRDO,ADE, and other such entities), the Controller of Defence accounts (controlling the audit functions), the Secretery Revenue ( who has a say in the actual release of budgeted funds to control national liquidity), the Secretery finance (who has a say in projection of expenditure in the future) and various other influencers.

These various departments are controlled by two different ministries, defence and finance. Often times, MEA casts a shadow over needs to import.

The service chiefs have practically no financial power.

Unless the newly created entity is suitably empowered, the chances of this experiment succeeding are remote.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 26 Dec 2019 08:58

There was some talk of the CDS requiring independent financial powers once budgeted to run the services ( probably quick supply of spares,etc.) but a Q mark about capital acquisitions.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Dec 2019 11:50

Vidur and Abhibhushan saar,
The CDS has same rank as Defence Secretary in Warrant of Precedence.
And he is equal to the three service chiefs.
So no dilution or legerdemain.
Right now the idea of CDS i being implemented and with time more operational role.
I expect Special Forces and SFC to report to that person eventually.

As for financial powers CDS will integrate procurement, logistics and jointness.
All have financial powers.

NaMo govt wants to make this a success transformation.

I know many folks have reservations but let's give this a chance.
Many senior officers are expressing such doubts.
Indian CDS will be unique for Indian needs.

Note I said Indian needs not Indian services needs.