Inter-Services Organisation Bill

August 9, 2023

GS Paper II Indian Polity and Governance

Context: Recently, Rajya Sabha passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

Highlight of Bill

Aim: To provide commanders-in-chief and officers-in command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) with disciplinary and administrative power over personnel from other forces serving in such establishments.
Objective: It will ensure better coordination among the three services and bolster the integrated structure.
Present Condition: Currently, armed forces personnel are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific Service Acts – Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957 and Air Force Act 1950.

Feature of the Bill:

Constituting Inter-services Organisation (ISO):	Existing Inter-services Organisations will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill. These include the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Space Agency, and the National Defence Academy. Personnel of ISO will belong to at least two of the three services: the army, the navy, and the air force. ISO will also include a Joint Services Command, which may be placed under the command of a Commander-in-Chief.
Control of Inter-services Organisations:	The Bill empowers the Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in-Command of an ISO to exercise command and control over the personnel serving in or attached to it. He would be responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring proper discharge of duties by the service personnel.
Role of Government:	Superintendence of an ISO will be vested in the central government. The government will issue directions to such organisations on grounds of national security, general administration, or public interest. Other forces under central government: The central government may notify any force raised and maintained in India to which the Bill will apply. This would be in addition to army, navy, and air force personnel.
Eligibility of Commander-in-Chief:	A General Officer of the regular Army (above the rank of Brigadier). Or A Flag Officer of the Navy (rank of Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral, Vice-Admiral, or Rear-Admiral). Or An Air Officer of the Air Force (above the rank of group captain).
Function of Commander-in-Chief:	He will be empowered to exercise all disciplinary and administrative powers vested in: (i) General Officer Commanding the Army, (ii) Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of a Naval Command, (iii) Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of an Air Command, (iv) any other officer/authority specified in the service Acts, (v) any other officer/authority notified by the government.
Commanding Officer (CO):	CO will be in command of a unit, ship, or establishment. The officer will also perform duties assigned by the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of the Inter-services Organisation. CO will be empowered to initiate all disciplinary or administrative actions over the personnel appointed, posted, or attached to that ISO.